2019
Outline of the National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage

CONTENTS
In FY2017, which marked the 10th
anniversary of its establishment,
the NICH adopted a new logo.
Logo concept: Linkage
The logo design combines knotted
cords with a shape resembling the
DNA double helix.
The knotted cords represent
linkage between people andcultures (i.e. cultural heritage),while the DNA represents linkage
between past, present and future(i.e. cultural transmission).
The logo represents the core
mission of the NICH, which is tofoster an in-depth understandingof cultural DNA and transmit
awareness of the importance of
cultural heritage to people all over
the world.

Message …………………………………………………………………………1

Ⅰ

Organization ………………………………………………………………2

Ⅱ

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage ………3

Ⅲ

Projects of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage ……7Ⅳ

Activities of Each Institution

Nara National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties:
On-site presentation at the East
Gate of the Chodo-in (Official
Compound) at the East Palace
Site, Heijo Palace

Ⅴ

Reference Materials ………………………………………………… 26

International Research Centre for
Intangible Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Paciﬁ c Region (IRCI):
Monitoring at secondary school in Hanoi
in the framework of "ICH's contribution
towards SDGs: Education" project (VietNam, October 2019)

Ⅵ

Information about Donations and Membership ……………… 28

Cover Photos
Tokyo National Museum:
Large Vase in Shape of GourdDesignin overglaze enamel and gold,
Important Cultural Property, Ming
Dynasty (China), 16th century
Kyoto National Museum:
Vegetable Nirvana, Important Cultural Property, Edo Period, 18th
Century
Nara National Museum:
Shinchū, The Divine Insect,Extermination of Evil (J., Hekija-e),
National Treasure, Heian-Kamakura
Period, 12th Century

１

Directors
Organizational Chart
Number of Staﬀ

Preservation and Transmission of Tangible Cultural Properties, andUtilization of Cultural Properties to Disseminate Japanʼs History andTraditional Culture Nationally and Internationally ………………………………… 7（１）Collection and Preservation of Tangible Cultural Properties, andTransmission of Tangible Cultural Properties to Future
Generations
Acquisition
Conservation and Restoration（２）
Exhibitions
Exhibitions
Number of Visitors（３）
Education（４）
Research on the Collection, Preservation, and Exhibition of Tangible Cultural Properties (Namely ﬁne and applied arts), and Educational Activities（５）
Contribution to Museum-related Activities in Japan and Abroad
２ Implementing Research and Collaborative Projects for the Protection ofCultural Properties and Overseas Cultural Heritage …………………………… 9（１）
Research Leading to New ldeas（２）
Basic Research for the Improvement of Research andDevelopment Utilizing Science and Technology（３）International Collaboration Relating to the Preservation ofCultural Heritage（４）Collecting and Collating Information Relating to Cultural
Properties, and Publicizing and Utilizing the Results of Surveys andResearch（５）
Provision of Training for, and Collaboration with, Local
Government Authorities in Relation to Cultural Properties
３ New Projects ……………………………………………………………………………… 10（１）
The National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties（２）
National Task Force for the Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk
Mitigation Network (CH-DRM Net), Japan（３）
Japan Cultural Expo
（４）
ICOM KYOTO 2019

Kyushu National Museum:
Ridge-end tile with demon
design, National Treasure, Nara
Period, 8th Century
Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties:
Study of door panels of Wat Nang
Chi ordination hallTokyo National Museum ……………………………………………………………… 12
Kyoto National Museum ……………………………………………………………… 14
Nara National Museum ………………………………………………………………… 16
Kyushu National Museum …………………………………………………………… 18
Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties ……………………………………………………………………… 20
Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties ……………………………………………………………………… 22
International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Paciﬁc Region（IRCI）…………………………… 24
External Evaluation Board
Number of Staﬀ
BudgetIncome from External Sources

Financial Donations and Cultural Property Donations
Membership
Venue Rental
Diversifying Visitor Experiences

Message
MATSUMURA Keiji
President
Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage(Director General, Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties)
With the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor and the beginning of the Reiwa Era, the year
2019 has marked the start of a new epoch. The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage (NICH)
wholeheartedly celebrate the dawning of this new era, and at the same time we are adopting a
new approach to addressing various issues.
This year, 2019, is the final year of NICH’s most recent four-year development plan and anumber of important events are scheduled.
First, ICOM KYOTO 2019 (the 25th General Conference of the International Council ofMuseums) will be held in September 2019. Held every three years, this conference brings
together museum professionals from all over the world to share museum-related knowledge andinformation. This will be the first time that the ICOM General Conference has been held in Japan,
and the NICH has an important role to play as a member of the ICOM KYOTO 2019 Organizing
Committee. The conference is a valuable opportunity to engage in discussions with museum
professionals from over 140 countries and regions around the world, and we are encouraging as
many people as possible to participate.
In addition, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will make Japan a focus of global
attention and interest next year. To take advantage of this opportunity, a Japan Cultural Expo
has been launched this year to raise domestic and international awareness of Japan’s history,
culture, arts and traditional crafts. The theme for the Japan Cultural Expo is“Japanese people
and nature.”In order to help the many visitors from foreign countries who will be coming toJapan to experience the unique appeal of the beauty of Japan, the NICH will be playing anactive part in the Japan Cultural Expo. We anticipate that, for the people of Japan, the Japan
Cultural Expo will provide a marvelous opportunity to rediscover and strengthen awareness ofJapanese culture and Japanese concepts of beauty. This year also sees the full-scale launchof the TSUMUGU (Weaving Beauty) Project, which has been organized through collaboration
between Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Imperial Household Agency, and the Yomiuri
Shimbun newspaper—the first project of its kind to be implemented through cooperation
between the public and private sectors—and the aim of which is to establish and maintain acycle of conservation, exhibition and restoration for Japan’s cultural heritage, so as to ensurethat Japan’s beauty and culture can be safeguarded and handed down to future generations.
The NICH is participating in the TSUMUGU Project.
In addition, in line with the Tohaku New Era Plan which was formulated in FY 2018, theTokyo National Museum (TNM) is taking up the challenge of undertaking various experimental
programs aimed at making TNM a museum that is open to the world, by realizing further
enhancement in service quality, creating a more comfortable environment for museum-goers,and promoting the development of a multi-lingual environment within the museum. The NICH isworking to promote the adoption of similar initiatives at other NICH institutions. We hope visitors
will be impressed by the results of these new projects.
Responding to the amendment of the Act on Protection of Cultural Properties in April thisyear, we have launched new measures to realize the safeguarding and proper utilization ofcultural properties in ways appropriate to this new era in which greater emphasis is placedon the effective conservation of cultural heritage. The National Center for the Promotion ofCultural Properties (CPCP) which was founded in July last year has put in place the necessaryorganizational structure and systems and is now fully operational.
At a time when disasters of various kinds have been occurring frequently throughout Japan,
the National Task Force for the Japanese Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Mitigation Network(CH-DRM Net, Japan), which has now been in existence for six years, is undertaking surveys
and research on various topics relating to protecting cultural properties from disasters andmitigating the impact of disasters. Based on the results obtained in this research, the CHDRM Net, Japan provides guidance and advice to local government authorities, museums,
art galleries, shrines, temples, etc., and also liaises and collaborates with related government
agencies, including the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
The NICH will be responding appropriately to the needs of this new era, and will be redoublingits efforts to proactively spread awareness of the value and appeal that Japan’s culturalproperties possess, and to promote more in-depth understanding of Japanese culture.
We look forward to receiving your continued support and assistance in the future.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 20191

Ⅰ Organization
Directors（As of April 1, 2019）
HAYASHIDA Suma: Director
KURUSHIMA Noriko: Auditor
NAKAMOTO Fuminori: Auditor

MATSUMURA Keiji: President (and Executive Director of the Nara
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties)
SUGINO Tsuyoshi: Director
SHIMATANI Hiroyuki: Director (and Executive Director, Kyusyu National Museum)

Organizational Chart
National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage Secretariat

President

AuditorResearch Coordinator

Audit Oﬃce

Deputy Director-general
Secretary - General

Directors

General Aﬀairs

Vice Director

Financial Aﬀairs
Accounting
Facilities and Operations Division
Secretariat of the National Task
Force for the Cultural Heritage
Disaster Risk Mitigation Network
National Center for the Promotionof Cultural Properties

Kyoto National
MuseumTokyo National
MuseumExecutive
Director

Executive
Director

Executive
Vice Director

Executive
Vice Director

Administration
Department
GeneralAffairs Division
Accounting
Division
Facilities andOperations
Division
Curatorial
Planning
Department
Planning
Division
Education
Division
Informatics
Division
Public Relations
and Press
Special Research
Chair, Editors Officefor the 150-Year
History of Tokyo
National Museum
Curatorial Research
Department
Collections
Management
Division
Research
Division
Conservation
Division
SpecialResearch Chair

Administrative
Division
Curatorial
Board
Chief
CuratorNara National
MuseumExecutive
Director

Kyushu National
MuseumExecutive
Director

Executive
Vice Director

Executive
Vice Director
GeneralAﬀairs Division

GeneralAﬀairs Division

Curatorial
Board

Curatorial
Division

Tokyo National
Research Institute forCultural Properties

Nara National ResearchInstitute forCultural Properties

International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in
the Asia-Pacific Region

Director
General

Director
General

Director
GeneralDeputy Director
GeneralDepartment ofResearch,
Support andPromotion

Management
SectionAdministration
Division

Department of
Art ResearchArchives andInformation
Systems

Collaboration
Promotion
Division

Planning Division

SpecialResearch Chair

MuseumScience
Division
Cultural
Properties
Division

Asian Cultural
Exchange Center※※ Kyushu National
Museum is
managed incooperation with
Fukuoka Prefecture

Deputy Director
GeneralDepartment ofResearch
Support andPromotion

Deputy Director
GeneralResearch
SupportDivision

Department ofIntangible
Cultural
Heritage

Department ofPlanning and
Coordination

Center forConservation
Science

Department ofCultural Heritage

Japan Center forInternational
Cooperation inConservation

Department ofImperial Palace
Site Investigations
Center for
Archaeological
Operations
Asuka
HistoricalMuseumNumber of Staff
Division
Total

Total staff

Administrative
staff

Technical andsecurity staff

Specialists

Curators/
Researchers

378

144

19

13

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Secretariat

26

25

0

0

1

National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties

24

7

0

4

13

Tokyo National Museum

104

34

11

8

51

Kyoto National Museum

41

20

5

0

15

Nara National Museum

32

15

3

0

14

Kyushu National Museum

26

10

0

0

16

Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

43

8

0

0

35

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

79

24

0

1

54

4

3

0

0

1

International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage
in the Asia-Pacific Region202（As of April 1, 2019）2

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

Ⅱ Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
The Independent Administrative Institution (IAI), National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, was formed in April 2007 through themerging of the IAI National Museums (Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National Museum, and Kyushu
National Museum) and the IAI National Research Institutes for Cultural Properties (Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural
Properties and Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties), all of which share the same mission: the conservation
and utilization of cultural properties. With the addition of the International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region, which was established in October 2011, the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage now comprise a totalof seven separate institutions.
Japan’s cultural properties are the precious assets of the Japanese people. In order to preserve and utilize these properties
more effectively and efficiently under unified management, each of the seven existing institutions plays the following roles;

Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Nara National Museum

As Japan’s foremost museum in thehumanities field, Tokyo National Museum collects, preserves, manages,
and displays cultural properties fromacross Japan and other Asian regions,while also conducting research and providing educational programs.

Kyoto National Museum collects,preserves, manages, and displays
cultural properties, while also
conducting research and providing
educational programs. The focus ison works from the Heian period to
the Edo period. a time when Kyoto
was the capital of Japan.

Nara National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and displays culturalproperties, while also conducting research and providing education programs. The focus is Buddhist art andthe cultural properties of Nara.

Kyushu National Museum

Tokyo National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties

Nara National Institute forCultural Properties

Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties conducts research
on Japanese cultural properties, utilizing
a variety of methods. In addition to publicizing and utilizing the results of thisresearch, as an international center forcooperation, the institute also facilitates
global research into the protection ofcultural properties.

Located near the Nara Palace site,
Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties conducts excavation
and research projects related to theconservation and utilization of cultural
heritage such as sites. buildings, andgardens, as well as cultural properties,
preserved at major temples and shrines in
the Nara and Kinki regions. The Institutealso provides advice and cooperation forresearch projects conducted across Japan.

Kyushu National Museum collects,preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties, while also conducting
research and providing educational programs. The focus is on cultural assets
s cultural exchanges
related to Japan’
with other Asian regions.

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region
This institution promotes researchthat contributes to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the AsiaPacific region, and also collects anddisseminates information relating tointernational trends in the safeguarding of ICH.

Tokyo National Museum
13-9 Ueno Park,
Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712

Access▲ To JRUguisudani
StationInternational
Library ofChildren’s
Literature
KurodaMemorial Hall◀To Tokyo
Metro Nezu
StationWest
GateTOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM
Main Gate

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Phone: +81-3-3822-1111

Visitor Information

Hours：9:30–17:00※Open until 21:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, November 3–4※Open until 22:00 on September 20–21※Last entry is 30 minutes before closing
Closed：Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be open on Monday and closed on Tuesday). However, the Museum will be open on August
13 (Tue), October 15 (Tue), and March 30, 2020 (Mon).
During the year-end and New Year holiday (December 26–January 1)
June 11※Please note that opening days and hours are subject to change due tospecial exhibitions and events

Fountain
Police Box

Ueno park
Ueno Zoo

National Museumof Western Art
Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival HallPark Exit
To Keisei Ueno Station ▼JR UenoStationhttps://www.tnm.jp/

National Museumof Nature andScienceTokyo Metro
Ueno Station●Train1
 0 minute walk from the Park Exit of JR Ueno Station or fromthe South Exit of JR Uguisudani Station. 15 minute walk from
Ueno Station or Nezu Station (Tokyo Metro), or from Keisei
Ueno Station (Keisei Electric Railway Keisei Line).

Admission: Adults: 620 (520) yen
University students: 410 (310) yen※( ) indicates prices for paying visitors in groups of 20 or more
※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Any person with disabilities and one accompanying caregiver are
admitted free※Persons over 70 or under 18 are admitted free to regular exhibitions※Admission to regular exhibitions is free on International Museum
Day (May 18 or the following day if May 18 falls on a Monday),on Respect for the Aged Day (the third Monday of September),

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 20193

605-0931 Japan
Phone: +81-75-541-1151(Main switchboard)
https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/

Kintetsu
Kyoto Line

JR Kyoto
StationKennin-ji
TempleHigasStre hioji
etKaw
Stre abataetYamaStre tooji
etKaw
Stre aramachietShichijo
StreetKeih
Railwanay

Higashi Hongan-ji
TempleRiver

527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

Kamo

Gojo Street

HokokuShrineKyoto National
Museumijo
ShichonStati

Subway Karasuma Line

Horikawa
StreetKyoto National Museum

Karasuma
StreetAccessChishaku-in
TempleSanjusangendo
TempleJR Tokaido Line
Shinkansen Line

JR Nara Line

Transportation: ●Bus

Visitor InformationA t Kyoto Station, take City Bus #100 from bus platform D1

Hours: Collection Galleries: 9:30–17:00
Special Exhibitions: 9:30–18:00※Open until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays (Collection Galleries are open until
21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays in July, August, and September) Closes at 17:00
on Saturday September 7.
※The Gardens are open 9:30–17:00※Last entry is 30 minutes before closing

or City Bus #206 or #208 from bus platform D2. Get off at
the Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop in front of
the Museum.
●TrainK intetsu Railway: Get off at Tanbabashi Station and transfer
to the Keihan Railway. From Keihan Tanbabashi Station take

Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be open on Monday
and closed on Tuesday)
April 12October 11
During the year-end and New Year holiday (December 24–January 1)
The Collection Galleries may be closed while special exhibitions are being prepared or
dismantled※Open on April 29–May 6, September 1–8.

a Demachi-yanagi-bound train to Shichijo Station. Walk eastward along Shichijo (Nanajo) Street for about 7 minutes tothe Museum.
K eihan Railway: Get off at Shichijo Station. Walk eastward
along Shichijo (Nanajo) Street for about 7 minutes to theMuseum.
H
 ankyu Railway: Get off at Kawaramachi Station. Walk east-

Admission: Adults: 520 (410) yen
University students: 260 (210) yen※( ) indicates prices for paying visitors in groups of 20 or more※A separate admission charge applies during periods when only Feature
Exhibitions and the Museum Gardens are open to visitors.
※Any person with disabilities and one accompanying caregiver are admitted free※Persons over 70 or under 18 are admitted free to the Collection Galleries

ward over the bridge to the Keihan Railway Gion Shijo Station. Take an Osaka-bound Keihan train to Shichijo Station.
Walk eastward along Shichijo (Nanajo) Street for about 7
minutes to the Museum.
P arking: The museum has limited parking at an hourly rate.
Please use public transportation whenever possible.

AccessNara National Museum

Todaiji
TempleN
W
S
Kintetsu
Nara Station

50 Noborioji-cho, Nara City

Noborioji Street

Kohfukuji
Temple 卍

JR
Sta Naration

Nara Prefecture 630-8213
Phone: +81-742-22-7771(Main switchboard)

Sanjo Street

https://www.narahaku.go.jp/

卍●TrainKintetsu Line: 15 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station.
●BusTake the Shinai Junkan from JR or Kintetsu Nara Station to
the Himuro Jinja/Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan bus stop.

Hours: 9:30–17:00

Admission: Adults: 520 (410) yen

day period) Permanent Collection exhibitions and feature exhibitions

University students: 260 (210) yen

are open until 20:00※(※Opening hours are occasionally extended during special seasonal
events in the Nara area
※Opening hours for special exhibitions and joint exhibitions vary by exhibition※Last entry is 30 minutes before closing
 ondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be open on
Closed: M
Monday and closed on Tuesday) and January 1※The Museum may also be closed on other days due to special circumstances

KasugaTaisha Shrine

Nara National Museum

Gangoji
TempleVisitor Information※On Fridays and Saturdays (excluding the year-end and New Year holi-

Himuro Jinja 卍
NaraShrinePrefectural
Office underpassE) indicates group prices for paying visitors in groups of 20

or more※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Any person with disabilities and one accompanying caregiverare admitted free※Persons over 70 or under 18 are admitted free to the Permanent Collection exhibitions※Free admission to the Permanent Collection exhibitions on
International Museum Day (May 18, or the following day if May
18 falls on a Monday), Kansai Culture Day, Owatari-shiki Parade Day of the On-matsuri Festival, and Setsubun (February
3).

4Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

Kyushu National Museum

Access35

Dazaifu Tenmangu
Shrine4-7-2, Ishizaka, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Prefecture, 818-0118
Phone: +81-92-918-2807

Nishitetsu
Dazaifu
StationNis
Da hitetzaif suuL
ine(Main switchboard)
https://www.kyuhaku.jp¯¯
Komyozenji
Temple76
Chikushino-Dazaifu Line

●TrainVisitor Information

Nishitetsu Rail Line: From Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin)

Hours: 9:30–17:00

Station, take the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line to Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station (about 16 minutes on the
Limited Express, 18 minutes on an Express train), and※Open until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays※Last entry is 30 minutes before closing

transfer to the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line (about 5 minutes), and get off at Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station. About a

Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be open on Monday andclosed on Tuesday) and during the year-end holiday (December 24–31)

10 minute walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station.
*No extra charge is required for taking the Limited Express or an Express train.

Admission: Adults: 430 (220) yen
University students: 130 (70) yen) indicates prices for paying visitors in groups of 20 or moreJ
 R Line: From JR Hakata Station, take the JR Kagoshima Chuo Line (about 15 minutes on the Rapid train) andget off at JR Futsukaichi Station. Transfer to Nishitetsu※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Persons over 70 or under 18 are admitted free to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition(permanent exhibition)

Futsukaichi Station on foot (12 minutes) or by bus (5minutes). Take the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line and get off at※Free admission to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition on Children’s Day (May 5),
International Museum Day (May 18, or the following day if May 18 falls on a
Monday), and Respect for the Aged Day (the third Monday of September)

Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station. The Museum is a 10 minute
walk from the Station.
●CarOn the Kyushu Expressway, about a 20 minute drivefrom either Dazaifu I.C. or Chikushino I.C. via Takao Intersection. On the Fukuoka Urban Expressway, about a 20
minute drive from Mizuki exit via Takao Intersection.
●TaxiAbout 15 minutes from JR Futsukaichi Station, or 30
minutes from Fukuoka Airport.
●Nishitetsu Bus
From the Hakata Bus Terminal (bus stop no. 11), takethe bus to Dazaifu and get off at Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station (the bus ride is about 40 minutes). The Museum is
a 10 minute walk from the Station.

Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties
卍 Kaneiji

JR Uguisudani
StationtempleUeno juniorHigh School
International Library ofchildren’s Literature

TOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM

Kuroda Memorial HallThe University
Art Museum-Tokyo
University of the Arts

Shinobugaoka
Junior High School

Tokyo National
Research Institute forCultural Properties

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Ueno park

National Museumof Nature andScienceNational Museumof Western Art

Ueno Zoo

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival Hall

To Tokyo Station

https://www.tobunken.go.jp/←To Ikebukuro
Station

JR UenoStationPhone: +81-3-3823-2241

Access↑13-43 Ueno Park,Taito-ku,Tokyo, 110-8713

Park Exit※(

KyushuNational
Museum●Train
JR Line: 10 minute walk from the South Exit of
Uguisudani Station, or 15 minute walk from thePark Exit of Ueno Station.
G inza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line: 20 minute walkfrom Ueno Station.
Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line: 20 minute walk from
Nezu Station.
K eisei Line: 20 minute walk from Keisei Ueno
Station.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 20195

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural
Properties
AccessNara Area

Asuka and Fujiwara Areao→Kashihara
jingo shrine←To Osaka
Abenobashi

Kashihara
Kintetsu Minami jingu-mae Sta.
Osaka LineThe Institute and the Nara Palace Site Museum●TrainKintetsu Line: 10 minutes from the North Exit of
Yamato Saidaiji Station.
●BusFrom JR and Kintetsu Nara Stations, take the Nara
Kotsu Bus and get off at the Nijocho bus stop.

Visitor Information(Asuka/Fujiwara)

Route 169

Omiya St.

To Kintetsu Nara→

Kintetsu
kashihara Line
Unebi goryomae
Sta.

Shin Omiya
Sta.

JR-WestＮara Sta.

e←To Osaka

Route24

Kintetsu Kashihara Line←To Kashiharajingu-mae

Nara Lin

Ichijo St

Mt AmanokaguyamaaKintetsu

To Sakurai→
To Sakurai→

Fujiwara Department of Imperial
Palace Site Palace Sites Investigations

Route 24

w
ga r
ka ve
su Ri

SuzakuGate

Miminashi
Sta.
JR Sakurai LineA

Temporary building (in use until theend of September 2018):
247-1 Saki-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8577
New administration building (in use
starting from October 2018):
2-9-1 Nijo-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8577
Phone: +81-742-30-6733
https://www.nabunken.go.jp/

Nara palace
East Palace
Site
GardenRoute 165
JR Unebi
Sta.

←To Takada

t
es ne
-W Li
JR sainKa

Nara National
Research Institutefor Cultural
Properties

zu
Ki

Y
←T Said amatooa
Na Osak iji Sta
mb a
.
a

Kintetsu Osaka Line

Yamato←To Osaka Yagi Sta.
Uehonmachi

To

Nara Palace
Site Museum

Former Imperial
Audience Hall
Excavation Site
Exhibition Hall←

To Kyot

Asuka HistoricalMuseumOkuyama kumedera
temple↓To Yoshino

Asuka Niimasu
Jinjya shrine

Yamadadera
templeDepartment of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations(Asuka/Fujiwara)●Taxi
20 minutes from Kintetsu Yamato Yagi Station.
The Asuka Historical Museum●Taxi
20 minutes from Kintetsu Kashihara Jingu Mae
Station.
●Bus rom either Kintetsu Kashihara Jingu Mae Station
For Kintetsu Asuka Station, take the Kame Bus andget off at the Asuka Okuyama Asuka HistoricalMuseum West bus stop.
From JR/Kintetsu Sakurai Station, take the Nara
Kotsu Bus and get off at the Asuka HistoricalMuseum bus stop.

●Asuka Historical Museum●Nara Palace Site Museum
Hours: 9:00–16:30 (free admission; last entry at 16:00)
Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be open on
Monday and closed on Tuesday) and during the year-end and New Yearholiday (December 29–January 3)
Note: Free guided tours by volunteers are available
Phone: +81-742-30-6753 (Collaboration Promotion Division)●Exhibition Room of the Fujiwara Palace Site

Hours: 9:00–16:30 (free admission)
Closed: During the year-end and New Year holiday (December 29–January 3) andduring exhibition renewal periods
Phone: + 81-744-24-1122 (Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations for
Asuka and Fujiwara)

Hours: 9:00–16:30 (last entry at 16:00)
Closed: M ondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the Museum will be
open on Monday and closed on Tuesday) and during theyear-end and New Year holiday (December 26–January 3)
Admission: Adults: 270 (170) yen
University students: 130 (60) yen※() indicates prices for paying visitors in groups of 20

or more (If some members of the group are entitled tofree admission, the reduced group charge will still apply
to the other members of the group)※A n additional charge may be required for special
exhibitions※A ny person with disabilities and one accompanying
caregiver are admitted free※Persons over 65 or under 18 are admitted free
Note: Guides are available (free of charge; reservations required)
Phone: +81-744-54-3561 (Asuka Historical Museum)International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)
AccessShin-osaka

Highway
Sakai Exit

To Namba

https://www.irci.jp

N
Koy ankaia Line

JR Hanwa Line

NintokuTenno-ryo
Kofun
Bus Stop
Hakubutukan-mae

IRCI
Goryodori
Daisennishimachi2cho

Mikun

igaokaMozu

Hankai Line
GoryomaeTennojii

Phone:+81-72-275-8050

shiga

Sakai City, Osaka 590-0802

kaih

Sa

Sakai City Museum, 2 cho Mozusekiun-cho, Sakai-ku,

City OfficeOsaka

To Kansai
Airport●TrainJR Hanwa Line: 6 minutes from Mozu Station.
●BusN ankai Bus: 4 minutes from the Sakaishi Hakubutsukanmae bus stop.

6

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

Ⅲ

Projects of the National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage

The Undertakings of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage include:
Preservation and Transmission of Tangible Cultural Properties, andUtilization of Cultural Properties to Disseminate Japan’s History andTraditional Culture Nationally and Internationally１（1）Collection and Preservation of Tangible Cultural Properties, and Transmission of
Tangible Cultural Properties to Future Generations
As core institutions involved in the preservation and transmission of history and traditional culture, each museum collects objects
according to its own individual collection policy to ensure that its collection is systematically and historically balanced.
We also work closely with the Agency for Cultural Affairs to encourage donations and long-term loans from private owners,
utilizing the System of Enrolled Art Objects, for example, or improving the inheritance tax system to make donations of objects easier.
Japan’s cultural properties are the precious assets of the Japanese people. In order to pass on this heritage to future
generations, we implement thorough management of items in the collections, and make efforts to improve the environments for these
items while working systematically to conserve them, with those requiring urgent treatment given priority. This work is carried out
through the coordinated efforts of NICH's conservators and professionals of conservation science as well as specialists (both internaland external) in the fields of conservation science and restoration technology, using both traditional techniques and modern scientificmethods. Conservation studios and other facilities also recognize the need to protect cultural properties from natural disasters, andare working with the government to make further preparations.

■Acquisition

We continually strive to acquire cultural properties through purchases and donations with the aim of:（1）building collections
that are both systematically and historically balanced, and（2）preventing the dispersion of private collections and the export oftangible cultural properties from Japan. Furthermore, the four museums each accept long-term loans from temples, shrines, andprivate collectors in order to further enhance their distinctive regular exhibitions.

Number of Items in the Museum Collections

Total

Total

Tokyo National Museum

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties

Total

130,211135994

119,064

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties
89

644（Entries）

Kyoto National Museum
Total
8,075

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties
29

196

Nara National Museum Kyushu National Ｍuseum
Total

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties

1,908

13

113

Nara National Research Institute holds 1 National Treasure and 4 Important Cultural Properties.

Total
1,164

ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties
4

41（Figures as of March 31, 2019）

Nara National
Research Institute forCultural Properties
ImportantNational
CulturalTreasures
Properties
1
4

Number of Items on Long-term Loan to the Museums
Total（Entries）

Tokyo National Museum Kyoto National Museum Nara National Museum Kyushu National Museum

Important
Important
Important
Important
ImportantNational
National
National
National
National
Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
CulturalTreasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
12,469

197

1,186

3,130

55

253

6,434

87

616

1,974

53

305

931

2

12

（Figures as of March 31, 2019）■Conservation and Restoration

Tangible cultural properties preserved in museum collections need to be conserved approximately once every 100 years. The
Institutes carry out two levels of conservation work: minimal treatments that allow for the safe display and storage of theobjects: and full-scale treatments, carried out systematically in accordance with the conditions of the objects.

（２）Exhibitions
We disseminate information both nationally and internationally to promote understanding of the history and traditional culture ofJapan and other Asian regions. For this purpose, we hold attractive exhibitions and high-quality displays that reflect both visitor
needs and the latest academic trends, while also taking into consideration the needs of international cultural exchange.
In addition, we are constantly striving to make our museums more visitor-friendly by extending opening hours and creating
multilingual and accessible environments, with extensive information for visitors to enhance the overall museum experience. We
are also making improvements to museum management in response to visitor feedback.

■Exhibitions

Each museum holds its own distinctive regular and special exhibitions to provide opportunities for visitors to engage withtraditional art and archaeological objects, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. We also collaborate
with museums overseas to hold exhibitions that introduce a variety of cultures.
Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 20197

■Number of Visitors（FY 2018）
Total

Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Nara National Museum

Kyushu National Museum

3,849,021

2,142,960

477,884

527,786

700,391

Kyushu National Museum: Special Exhibition:
Impressionist Masterpieces from the E.G. Buehrle
Collection (May 19-July 16, 2018)

Tokyo National Museum:Special Exhibition :The Buddhist Sculptures of Daiho’onji : Kyoto
Masterpieces by Kaikei and Jokei(October 2-December 9, 2018)（３）Education and Outreach Activities
To promote understanding of the history and traditional culture of Japan and other Asian regions, we provide a variety of educational programs, such as lectures and workshops, in cooperation with schools and other educational institutions.
Furthermore, we work with universities to provide professional training and support volunteer activities with the aim of further
improving our educational programs. We also implement training programs for museum professionals, conservators, and others.
We also utilize the internet to disseminate information about cultural properties, and publicize our exhibitions and educational
activities through the collection, publication, and display of various types of information.

An Introduction to the Mysteries of Japanese Art
Gallery Talk (Kyoto National Museum)

Nara City World Heritage classes(Nara National Museum)（４）R esearch on the Collection, Preservation, and Exhibition of Tangible Cultural
Properties (Namely fine and applied arts), and Educational Activities
We conduct surveys and research relating to the collection, preservation, andexhibition of tangible cultural properties, as well as educational activities, on asystematic basis; organize international symposia to which leading researchers are invited; arrange for NICH staff to work at overseas research institutes
and attend international conferences; and conduct research while accumulating the latest information.
The results obtained from our surveys and research are publicized using avariety of methods, including publications and the internet, thereby contributing to the transmission of cultural properties to the next generation and to
the promotion of Japanese culture.

Undersea archeological exploration conducted
at Kaminokuni-cho, Hokkaido (Kyushu National
Museum)（５）Contribution to Museum-related Activities in Japan and Abroad
When conditions allow, we loan items from our collections to museums in Japan and abroad so that they may be viewed more widely by both domestic andinternational audiences. We are also actively engaged in exchanging information and providing guidance and advice to other museums.

International Symposium: “The Arts of Japanin a Global Context: Beyond Orientalism andOccidentalism”(January 18, 2019; Tokyo National Museum)

8

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

Research and Collaborative Projects for the Protection of
２ Implementing
Cultural Properties and Overseas Cultural Heritage
We undertake the following types of surveys and research to contribute to the formation of the framework of knowledge andtechniques required to facilitate the transmission of priceless cultural properties to future generations.

（１）Research Leading to New Ideas
We are engaged in undertaking fundamental and systematic research relating to cultural properties (including collaborative
research and research-related exchange with other organizations, both in Japan and overseas) and also surveys and researchthat contribute to the preservation and effective utilization of cultural properties. The results achieved through these surveys andresearch have led to an increase in the amount of basic data available, facilitated the accumulation of academic knowledge, andprovided the basic information needed to support the designation as cultural properties, while also contributing, at individual andcollective levels, to the planning and establishment of cultural property preservation measures by national and local government
bodies, as well as the evaluation of cultural properties.

Testing insecticidal effect of humidity-controlledwarm air treatment by studying the viabletemperature for test insects (Tokyo National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties)

Survey undertaken at the Kitayama historic forestry
landscape in the Nakagawa district of Kyoto(Nara National Research Institute for Cultural
Properties)（２）B asic Research for the Improvement of Research and Development Utilizing
Science and Technology
We undertake the following types of research and development to support thedevelopment of research on the value and preservation of cultural properties:① We contribute to the enhancement of the accuracy and effectivenessof cultural property survey methods through the promotion of R&D work
such as the application of science and technology. We also contribute towards the clarification of the background (cultural, historical, and naturalenvironment) against which cultural properties came into being, and theprocess of change in this background over time.
②As a core research center for research relating to cultural property preservation science and restoration techniques, restoration materials, and production techniques, we work for the development of new techniques for
cultural property research, making use of the latest scientific and technological developments, and promote cutting-edge surveys and researchwith the aim of fostering joint research and research-related exchange

X-ray diffraction analysis being performed ona metal test plate (Tokyo National ResearchInstitute for Cultural Properties)

with other institutions both in Japan and overseas.

（３）International Collaboration Relating to the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
We promote the acquisition and analysis of information from abroad regarding
cultural heritage, and also promote cooperative programs for the protectionof this heritage. Additionally, we create human resources development andtechnology transfer programs for the conservation and restoration of culturalproperties. These programs involve training and the dispatch of specialists.
All of the aforementioned endeavors—which are pursued while utilizing theknowledge, technology, and experience that Japan has for the protection ofcultural heritage—are contributions of international importance. Moreover,through cooperation with researchers and other specialists in the Asia-Pacificregion, we conduct research for the protection of intangible cultural heritage
endangered by natural disasters and other threats, and promote protection ofthis heritage on an international scale. Through such activities for the protection of humanity’s shared assets, we contribute to cultural exchange between“Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Intangible Cultural
Heritage and Natural Disasters”(International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural
Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region)

countries and to mutual understanding.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 20199

（４）Collecting and Collating Information Relating to Cultural Properties, andPublicizing and Utilizing the Results of Surveys and Research
We are working to promote the digitalization of information relating to culturalproperties and expand related specialist archives, as well as organizing public
lectures and international symposia, and expanding the content included on
the websites of the individual facilities that make up the NICH, with the aim offurthering the collection, collation and preservation of information relating tocultural properties, and of ensuring that such outcomes are widely publicizedand disseminated. We are also working to expand the displays of survey andresearch results held at the Nara Palace Site Museum, Exhibition Room of
Fujiwara Imperial Site, and Asuka Historical Museum of the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, so as to provide the general public witha more in-depth understanding of related areas.

51st Open Lecture: “The Path from Form andto Form” (Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties)（５）P rovision of Training for, and Collaboration with, Local Government Authorities
in Relation to Cultural Properties
While contributing to the enhancement of knowledge and techniques throughthe implementation of training tailored to the needs of local government authorities by making effective use of the results obtained in past surveys andresearch, we also undertake cultivation of core human resources that willplay key roles in the preservation of Japan’s cultural properties in the future,through collaborative education projects in conjunction with university graduate schools. After the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, we played acentral role in activities conducted to rescue cultural properties at the request of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Making effective use of this experience, we are also undertaking research projects and capacity building aimed
at putting in place a nationwide system for coordination and collaboration soas to develop a network for safeguarding and rescuing cultural properties in

Course on conducting surveys of archeologicalsites located in low-lying wetlands—A class inprogress (Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties)

the event of future large-scale disasters such as major earthquakes.

３ New Projects
We are undertaking the following new initiatives, with the aim of properly exercising our policy implementation function as Japan’snational center for museums and cultural property research, and of ensuring that we implement policies effectively and efficiently.

（１）National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties
In July 2018, The National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties(CPCP) was formally established in the headquarters of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, to serve as the national center for the display
and utilization of Japan’s cultural properties. While carefully maintaining
the right balance between conservation and use of cultural properties,
the CPCP is committed to providing opportunities for people at home andabroad to learn about Japan’s priceless cultural heritage through strengthening support for museums, galleries, and other venues.
The CPCP’s core activities are as follows.
1) Development of content and trial projects to increase public awarenessand interest in cultural properties
The CPCP collaborates with private and public organizations to create
reproductions of cultural properties using advanced technologies suchas virtual reality, augmented reality and 8K resolution video. These reproductions provide the public with user-friendly formats for interactingwith and learning about Japan’s cultural properties.

Thematic exhibition: Cultural Properties in 8K: The
National Treasure "Illustrated Biography of Prince
Shotoku" (November 27–December 25, 2018)2) Promotion of loaning out items held in the collections of Japan’s National Museums and related consultations
The CPCP encourages regional and local museums to exhibit the cultural properties in the collections of Japan’s National Museums andprovides consultations to assist them.
3) Improving digital resources and availability of information in Japan and abroad
The CPCP aims to improve the user-friendliness of NICH’s digital resources by consolidating those currently maintained separately byeach national museum and research institute. These resources are being consolidated into the “e-Museum” website, a website that presents
high-resolution images of approximately 1,000 National Treasures and

10

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

Collection item loan promotion project: National
Treasure, Highlights of Japanese Aesthetics:
Masterpieces from Tokyo National Museum (Oita

Prefectural Art Museum, November 2–November 25,
2018)other important cultural properties from the collections of the National
Museums, and “ColBase,” a website that allows users to search all of
the items in the NICH-affiliated institutions’ collections.
4) Consultation, advice, and support about conserving cultural properties
The CPCP provides research assistance, consultation services, andgeneral inquiry assistance regarding conservation environments of museums. The CPCP also holds workshops and seminars about storage
environments and personnel development to give other museums a reliable resource for conservation-related issues.
5) In addition, as part of our fund-raising activities, we also implement
initiatives to raise funds from a wide range of sources to support projects relating to the conservation and utilization of cultural properties.

Providing consultation on conservation environments（２）National Task Force for the Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Mitigation
Network (CH-DRM Net), Japan
In order to safeguard cultural properties from the kinds of disasters that have been occurring so frequently in recent years,
we are strengthening collaboration with local government authorities andspecialist organizations. When a disaster occurs, we cooperate with local
government authorities and twenty-four specialist organizations to promptly
collect information. We cooperate closely with the Agency of Cultural Affairs,
dispatching experts and providing information with to minimize any damage
caused by a disaster. We provide advice based on our research into emergency management and conservation methods for disaster-affected culturalproperties. We are committed to building a stronger framework for disasterrisk management for cultural properties. Our efforts include holding symposia and organizing training programs and other programs for cultural heritage officials at local government authorities along with activities to enhanceawareness among the general public.

Training in the implementation of emergency
treatments for water-damaged paper materials(Nara National Research Institute for Cultural
Properties)（３）Japan Cultural Expo
Taking advantage of the opportunity provided by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs is joining forces with related local government authorities, cultural institutions, and other groups to organize the Japan
Cultural Expo, which will showcase Japanese aesthetics and values both domestically and internationally. As part of the Japan Cultural Expo, art exhibitions, performing arts shows, and cultural and artistic festivals that embody the Japanese ideal ofbeauty will be held throughout Japan, making this the largest project of its kind ever
implemented.
The NICH will also be participating in the Japan Cultural Expo, organizing special
exhibitions, thematic exhibitions and events to promote the diversity and broad appeal of Japanese culture, both within Japan and overseas. These activities will also
contribute to handing down and further developing Japanese arts and culture, andfurther enhance international understanding of Japan.
Logo for the Japan Cultural Expo

（４）ICOM KYOTO 2019

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is the world’s largest non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting theadvancement and development of the museum sector. In September 2019, the ICOM General Conference (which is held once
every three years) will be held in Japan for the first time, in Kyoto. The participants at ICOM KYOTO 2019 will include manymuseum professionals from all over the world. Besides expert-panel discussions andmeetings for all General Conference participants, there will also be various study
tours and events for the general public. The NICH is assisting event organizers bydispatching personnel to the ICOM KYOTO 2019 Office to assist the ICOM KYOTO
2019 Organizing Committee, established under the Japanese Association of Museums.

Logo for ICOM KYOTO 2019

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201911

Ⅳ Activities of Each Institution
Tokyo National Museum
As Japan’s foremost museum in the humanities field, Tokyo National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties from across Japan and other Asian regions, while also conducting research and providing educational programs.

ZENIYA Masami
Executive Director
Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum was established in 1872, making it the oldest museum in Japan. The
Museum's collection is comprised of more than 119,000 cultural properties, including many National
Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. We collect, restore, conserve, and display tangible culturalproperties from across Japan and other Asian regions. We also conduct research on these objects andpromote understanding of art through educational programs.
The Museum seeks to further enhance its culturally-oriented exhibitions by displaying some of thefinest objects and holding events tailored to the seasons. From fiscal year 2017, the Museum’s opening
hours were extended until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year, with the aim of providing
both foreign tourists and domestic visitors with more opportunities to view the Museum’s exhibits; theMuseum will also be holding a variety of special events on Friday and Saturday evenings to further
enhance the experience of evening visitors.
In addition to exhibitions, the Museum also offers a wide range of programs, including hands-on
activities, guided tours, and workshops. Our hands-on art-making workshops for students help them todeepen their understanding of cultural treasures.
We will continue striving to make the Tokyo National Museum more enjoyable for everyone, includingchildren and adults, as well as visitors from other countries.

■Exhibitions●Regular Exhibitions

The regular exhibitions comprise the core function of the museum’s exhibition activities, displaying works from the museum collection as well
as objects on loan to the museum. Exhibits are rotated periodically, with an approximate total of 420 rotations annually. In fiscal year 2019,around 9,300 objects are scheduled for display. The regular exhibition galleries are as follows:
HONKAN (Japanese Gallery): The 2nd floor provides an overview of the history of Japanese art in chronological order from the Jomon to the
Edo period. The exhibits on the 1st floor are categorized by genre and include sculptures, ceramics, and swords.
TOYOKAN (Asian Gallery): This building is dedicated to artworks and archeological artifacts from China, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast
Asia, Central Asia, India, Egypt, and other regions.
HEISEIKAN: The Japanese Archaeology Gallery located on the 1st floor displays objects, such as dogu and haniwa clay figurines as well as
bronze bells, dating from the Paleolithic through to the Edo period; the Thematic Exhibition Room, also on the first floor, is used for thematicand educational displays.
The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures: This building exhibits objects selected from over 300 cultural properties donated to the Imperial Family by
Horyuji Temple in Nara.
HYOKEIKAN: This building has been used for special exhibitions and special events in recent years.
Kuroda Memorial Hall: This building was built through a bequest from one of the most renowned painters of modern Japan, Kuroda Seiki, andis used to exhibit his works.
●Thematic Exhibitions

Thematic exhibitions focus on specific themes and are held as part of the Museum’s regular exhibitions. The following are examples of thosescheduled for fiscal year 2019 (the dates given are tentative):
・Family Gallery thematic exhibition in collaboration with Ueno Zoo: Animals with Horns and Antlers (April 16–May 26, 2019)
・Heian Court Calligraphy: The Iijima Shunkei Collection (October 1 - November 17, 2019)
・The Emperor and Palace Ceremonies (October 8 - December 15, 2019)
・The Palace Culture of the Korean Monarchy (February 4 - March 15, 2020)・Conservation and Restoration of the Tokyo National Museum Collection (March 24 - April 26, 2020)

A scene from Open Air Cinema at the Tokyo
National Museum

12

Family Gallery: TNM and Art Tunes! Present:
Becoming Japanese Art(July 24–September 9, 2018)

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

Special Exhibition: Roads ofArabia: Archaeological
Treasures of Saudi Arabia(January 23-May 13, 2018)

●Special Exhibitions
Special exhibitions are held to share the results of our research and to meet visitor demand. The following are examples of special exhibitions
scheduled for the fiscal year 2019:
・The 30th Anniversary of the Enthronement: Cultural Exchanges of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress: Sharing the Beauty of Japan (March
5–April 29, 2019)
・National Treasures of To-ji Temple: Kukai and the Sculpture Mandala (March 26–June 2, 2019)
・Masterpieces of Japanese Art: From Sesshu and Eitoku to Korin and Hokusai (May 3–June 2, 2019)
・Special Exhibition to Mark the 40th Anniversary of the Signing of the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Agreement: Three Kingdoms: Unveiling theStory (July 9–September 16, 2019)
・Special Exhibition Celebrating the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor—Shosoin: Essential Treasures of Ancient Japan Passed down by theImperial Family (October 14–November 24, 2019)
・Special Exhibition to Mark the 1,300th Anniversary of the Completion of the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): Izumo and Yamato (January 15–
March 8, 2020)
・S pecial Exhibition to Mark the 70th Anniversary of the Fire that Damaged the Murals in the Kondo Hall at the Horyu-ji Temple:The Art ofConservation : Buddhist Murals and Sculptures of Horyuji (provisional title) (March 14–May 10, 2020)■Acquisition, Conser, and Restoration

The Museum seeks to create a comprehensive display of Asian cultural properties with a focus on Japan through the acquisition of works of art by purchase, donation, and loan. We also carry out a varietyof collection management measures to allow deteriorated objects to be safely exhibited in the future.
These measures include enhancing gallery and storage environments, improving display and transportation methods, conducting collection assessment, as well as performing about 30 full restorations and
430 emergency treatments of works annually.

■Education

To provide a better museum experience for visitors, we offer opportunities for as many people as possible to get to know the museum, and help them to develop a deeper understanding of Japanese andAsian culture. Through collaboration with schools and developing volunteer activities, we strive to establish a pioneering model for engaging museum projects and promote effective educational programs thatreflect our role as a leading museum in Japan.
○Providing learning opportunities
Gallery talks, seminars, lecture series, workshops, “behind the scenes” tours introducing the Museum’s
preservation and restoration work, and other exhibition-related events.
○Educational and thematic exhibits called “Family Galleries”○Collaboration with schools
School programs (art appreciation programs, work experience programs, and programs for visually impaired students)
Teacher training (in relation to Special Exhibitions and Regular Exhibitions)○Partnerships with universities
Campus Members System and internship programs for graduate students○Volunteer activities
Assistance for educational activities, visitor information, and guided tours

One of the Museum’s monthly lectures

Behind-the-scenes tour

■Research

We conduct research on cultural properties originating in Asia, with a focus on Japan. Research outcomes are reflected in the museum’s collection, Conservation, and exhibition activities. Research is partially supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research and other grants for cultural activities. Research
conducted in fiscal year 2019 includes the following:・Research on ethnographic materials relating to the peoples of East Asia
・Joint research on oil painting materials and techniques
・Research on environmental conservation in museums
・Special research projects on the treasures of Horyu-ji Temple donated to the Imperial Household in
1878, including calligraphy, decorative arts, sculpture, and painting

Brief History

1872: Opened as the Museum of the Ministry of Education, on theoccasion of Japan’s first public exposition held by the ministry
in the Yushima Seido, Tokyo.
1875: Transferred to the Ministry of the Interior. The museum hadeight exhibition categories at this time: natural products,
agriculture & forestation, industrial technology, art, history,
education, religion, and army and navy.
1882: Moved to the present location, a site formerly occupied by theheadquarters of Kan’eiji temple.
1889: Reorganized as the Imperial Museum under the supervision of
the Imperial Household Agency.
1900: Renamed the Tokyo Imperial Household Museum.
1909: Hyokeikan opened.
1923: F ormer Honkan building destroyed in the Great Kanto
Earthquake.
1925: Natural history collections transferred to the Tokyo Museum of
the Ministry of Education (present-day National Science
Museum) and other institutions.
1938: Present Honkan building opened.
1947: T ransferred to the Ministry of Education and renamed the
National Museum.
1952: Renamed the Tokyo National Museum.
1964: The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (inaugural building) opened.
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Toyokan opened.
1984: The Shiryokan (the Research and Information Center) opened.
1999: The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (current building) and Heiseikan
opened.
2001: Became the Independent Administrative Institution National
Museums, Tokyo National Museum.
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage as the Tokyo National
Museum.

Oil painting research

Facilities （m2）Land Area

120,270（including the Kuroda Memorial Hall and the Yanase Villa）
Building Area

Buildings
Exhibition Buildings

22,438Gross Floor Area

Exhibition Area Total
Repository Area Total

72,222
18,1997,836

HonkanBuilding Area
Exhibition Area

6,602
6,573

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

22,416
4,028

Toyokan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

2,892
4,250

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

12,531
1,373

Heiseikan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

5,542
4,471

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

19,406
2,119

The Gallery of Horyuji
Treasures

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,935
1,462

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

4,031
291

Hyokeikan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,130
1,179

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

2,077
0

Kuroda Memorial Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

724
264

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

1,996
25

OthersBuilding Area

3,613

Gross Floor Area

9,765

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201913

Kyoto National Museum
The Kyoto National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and exhibits cultural properties, while also conducting research and educational activities. It focuses on culturalproperties from the Heian period to the Edo period, a time when Kyoto was the capitalof Japan.

SASAKI Johei
Executive Director
Kyoto National Museum

Kyoto served as Japan’s Imperial capital for over 1,000 years, from the relocation of the capital in794, which marked the beginning of the Heian period, right through to the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
The Kyoto National Museum showcases numerous cultural properties that testify to the glory of
the city’s cultural heritage, and presents Japan’s traditional culture to the world through various
activities. We will continue to work towards the realization of the museum’s mission of spreadingawareness of Japanese traditional culture throughout the world. To this end, the museum strives toencourage people in all walks of life to take an interest in and visit the museum. Our aim is to create a“people-centric museum” that is also a “museum with deep roots in the local community.” We would
like our museum to be a place for education, a place where people can relax, a place for lifelong
learning, and also a place that will attract both domestic and overseas tourists. The new Heisei
Chishinkan Wing opened in September 2014. We anticipate that the new facilities and functions of
the Heisei Chishinkan Wing will help to make the Kyoto National Museum even more popular withvisitors.
This year will also see the much-anticipated ICOM KYOTO 2019 (the 25th General Conference of
the International Council of Museums) which will be held in Kyoto. As the host city’s National Museum,
we will be contributing towards making this event a resounding success; at the same time, we areaiming to ensure that the benefits from holding of ICOM KYOTO continue after the conference itself
has come to a close, by doing our utmost to take advantage of this opportunity to bring about the
beginning of a new era for museums in Japan in 2019, the first year of the new Imperial era Reiwa.

■Exhibitions●Collection Galleries
The Collection Galleries in the Heisei Chishinkan Wing, which opened in September 2014, include thematic galleries for ceramics, archeological relics, paintings, calligraphy, decorative and applied arts,and sculpture. The galleries showcase some of the finest pieces from the Museum’s 14,000 items(including items on long-term loan), and enable visitors to experience some of the most outstanding
examples of Kyoto’s unique cultural heritage. The items on display are changed periodically, so visitors
can expect to see different items on subsequent visits.
●Special Exhibitions
・Priest Shinkyo 700th Memorial Special Exhibition－Art of the Ji Shu: A New Sect of Buddhism in the
Heisei Chishinkan
Kamakura Period(April 13–June 9, 2019)
・The Thirty-six Immortal Poets: Elegant Arts of the Classical Japanese Court(October 12–November
24, 2019)
・Thematic Exhibition to Mark the Holding of ICOM KYOTO 2019 Famous Treasures Entrusted to the Kyoto National Museum: Safeguarding Beauty
and Preserving it for Posterity(August 14–September 16, 2019)※Please note that as the Special Exhibition Hall is currently closed for renovation, the Collection Galleries are open on an alternating basis withspecial exhibitions.

Special Exhibition: The Genius of Ike no Taiga: Carefree Traveler, Legendar y Painter(April 7–May 20, 2018)

Special Exhibition: Swords of Kyoto: Master
Craftmanship from an Elegant Culture (September 29–November 25, 2018)

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Treaty ofPeace and Friendship between Japan and the People’s Republic of China: Special Thematic Exhibition:
Qi Baishi: Master of Modern Chinese Painting(January 30–March 17, 2019)■Collection, Preservation, and Restoration of Cultural Properties
Since the museum’s establishment, numerous treasures from historical temples and shrines havebeen entrusted to the Kyoto National Museum. Meanwhile, the number of cultural properties in the collection has increased yearly through purchases and donations, with a focus on art or archaeologicalitems related to Kyoto culture. These cultural properties must be restored and preserved appropriately
so that they may be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. The Conservation Center for Cultural Properties, the first comprehensive conservation facility for cultural properties in Japan, was established in 1980 to meet that need.

Restoration work underway in the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties

14

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

■Educational Activities
We undertake a variety of activities via our exhibitions, website, and outreach to schools, in order to help people learn
more about the museum’s exhibitions and collections, and to
stimulate interest and concern for cultural properties.
○Activities held to enhance understanding of exhibition contents and exhibits
・The museum holds various lectures and seminars including
the Saturday Lectures and Commemorative Lectures. It
also operates the “Museum Cart” hands-on experiencebooths (staffed by “Kyo-Haku Navigator” volunteers), and“Museum Cart” activity led by a KyoA scene from a workshop held for the special
implements various types of workshops, as well as distribHaku Navigator
exhibition Swords of Kyoto: Master Craftsuting museum guide brochures, explanatory sheets, and themanship from an Elegant Culture (September“Museum Dictionary,” etc.
29–November 25, 2018)○Activities held to stimulate interest in cultural properties
・T he museum organizes summer lectures, symposia andother lecture events, as well as arranging visits to elementary schools and junior high schools in Kyoto by “Cultural Property Sommeliers” making
use of high-resolution digital reproductions of important works of art (Cultural Heritage Familiarization Classes), and organizing workshops in locations outside the museum.
○The museum works closely with educational institutions, organizing collaborative events.
・The collaboration between the museum and the university sector includes the Campus Members System, the giving of lectures on historical, culturaland sociological topics by our curators at the Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, and the training of “Cultural
Property Sommeliers,” as well as the holding of training sessions for visit-based learning activities and teacher education.
○Support for volunteer activities
・Implementation of the “Kyo-Haku Navigator” and “Cultural Property Sommeliers” systems, and training of “Kyo-Haku Navigator” and “Cultural Property
Sommelier” volunteers.

■Research
Since 1979, the Museum has been implementing an ongoing, comprehensive survey of cultural
assets owned by old temples and shrines in the Kinki region of Japan, centered on Kyoto. As part ofthese efforts, over a four-year period starting in 2016, we have been implementing a Comprehensive
Research Program on the Buddhist Culture and History of the Kawachi Region, with KAKENHI(government-funded grants-in-aid for scientific research) funding support. This program involves
conducting a survey of the cultural heritage of shrines and temples in the Osaka and Kawachi
regions. The Museum also continues to undertake research on its collections; the research results
are reflected in the Museum’s displays and published in the Kyoto National Museum Bulletin.

KAKENHI-funded research underway at
the Kanshin-ji Temple in Kawachinagano
City■Other Activities
A variety of special events are held to encourage more people to visit the Museum.
○Rakugo at the Museum
Kyoto National Museum has launched the “Rakugo at the Museum” project, whereby performancesof Rakugo (traditional comic storytelling, which originated in Kyoto and is an important aspect ofJapanese traditional culture) are held on a regular basis.

“Rakugo at the Museum” performance

Brief History

Facilities

1889: Established as the Imperial Museum of Kyoto under the supervision of the Imperial Household Agency Ｍinistry
1897: First exhibition held
1900: Renamed as the Imperial Household Museum of Kyoto
1924: Donated to Kyoto City; renamed as the Imperial Gift Museumof Kyoto
1952: Transferred to the national government; renamed as the Kyoto National Museum
1966: Establishment of the Collections Hall
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
1969: The Special Exhibition Hall, Main Gate, ticket booth and fences are designated as an Important Cultural Property under
the name of the Former Imperial Museum of Kyoto
1973: The Saturday lecture series starts
1980: The Conservation Center for Cultural Properties established
1997: A special ceremony was held in October to mark the 100th
anniversary of the Museum’s founding
2001: The South Gate constructed as part of the 100th Year Anniversary Hall construction project（tentative name）
2001: Transformed into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Museum, Kyoto National Museum
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as Kyoto National
Museum2009: Reconstruction begins on the former Collection Hall
2013: Construction of Heisei Chishinkan Wing（new Collection Hall）
is completed in August
2014: Heisei Chishinkan Wing is scheduled to open in September
2017: A special ceremony was held in May to mark the 120th anniversary of the Museum’s founding（m ）Land Area

53,182

2

Buildings

Building Area

Exhibition Buildings

13,224Gross Floor Area

Exhibition Area Total
Repository Area Total

31,303
5,657
4,889

Special Exhibition Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

3,015
2,070

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

3,015
803

Heisei Chishinkan Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

5,568
3,587

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

17,9972,710

Former Administration
Building
Building Area

590

Gross Floor Area

1,954

Materials Building

Building Area

414

Gross Floor Area

1,125

Conservation Center for
Building Area
Cultural Properties

728

Gross Floor Area

2,856Technical Materials
CenterBuilding Area

101

Gross Floor Area

304

East Repository

Building Area

811

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

1,471
880

North Repository

Building Area

310

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

682
496

OthersBuilding Area

1,707

Gross Floor Area

1,899

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201915

Nara National Museum
Nara National Museum collects, preserves, manages and displays cultural properties,
while also conducting research and providing educational programs. The focus is on
Buddhist art and the cultural properties of Nara.
Since its opening in 1895, with the cooperation of temples and shrines of the Nara region,
the Nara National Museum has been engaged in collecting, preserving, and conducting
research and educational programs on cultural properties mainly associated with Buddhism.
Through these activities, the museum has introduced to the public the high artistic
value and historical background of Japanese Buddhist culture, unique in its fusion withindigenous beliefs. Keeping in mind that various cultural properties are tied together in an
organic whole with the historical and cultural landscape of Nara, we will continuously strive
to promote the museum’s international activities and the more effective use of information
technology in order to reach a wide range of people as a conveyor of Nara’s culture.

■Exhibitions
MATSUMOTO Nobuyuki
Executive Director
Nara National Museum●Buddhist Art Exhibitions
As well as special exhibitions and feature exhibitions, the museum also exhibits distinguished masterworks of
Buddhist art including many designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The Nara Buddist Sculpture Hall features ”Masterpieces of Buddhist Sculpture”, which displays exceptional Buddist statues
representative of the history of Japanese sculpture from the Asuka to the Kamakura period, dating from aroundthe 7th century to the mid-14th century. The Ritual Bronzes Gallery connected by a corridor features fineworks of Chinese ancient bronzes. The West Wing houses ”Masterpieces of Buddhist Art” which introduces theessence of Japanese Buddhist art through selected items of painting, decorative art, calligraphy and artifacts.
In addition, thematic exhibitions from the permanent collection are occasionally held for themes that lie outside
a specific genre.

●Feature Exhibitions
Feature exhibitions are medium-scale exhibitions organized to explore a specific theme.
・The Buddhist Sculptures of Hotoku-ji Temple: A Tale of the Journey of Buddhist Divinities through Modernity (July 13–September 8, 2019)
・Creatures of Faith (July 13–September 8, 2019)
・On-Matsuri and the Sacred Art of Kasuga (December 7, 2019–January 13, 2020)
・Important Cultural Property: The Original Glass Plates Used to Photograph the Wall Paintings in the Kondo Hall at the Horyu-ji Temple: Tracing theHistory of Photographing Cultural Properties (December 7, 2019–January 13, 2020)
・Treasures of Todaiji’s Omizutori Ritual (February 4–March 22, 2020)●Special Exhibitions
・Masterpieces from the Fujita Museum: A Brilliant Universe Reflected in a National Treasure—Yohen Tenmoku Tea Bowl and Buddhist Art (April 13–
June 9, 2019)
・Celebrating the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor—The 71th Annual Exhibition of Shoso-in Treasures
・Bishamonten—the Guardian Deity of the North (provisional title) (February 4–March 22, 2020)

Commemorating 1250 Years Since theFounding—Kasuga Taisha: Centuries ofWorship Revealed in Sacred Treasures(April 14–June 10, 2018)

Commemorating the Completion of Conservation Work—Threads of Devotion – National Treasure: The Taima Mandala Tapestry and Embroidered Buddhist Imagery (JulyThe 70th Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in
Treasures (October 27–November 12, 2018)

14–August 26, 2018)■Collection, Preservation, and Restoration of Cultural Properties
We strive to collect tangible cultural properties, which are valuable assets for the people of Japan, by purchase, donation and loan.
We work to maintain the environment for our collections with meticulous care, by constantly controlling the temperature and humidity in our
exhibition and storage areas.
Most Japanese cultural properties are made of extremely fragile materials such as paper and wood. Therefore, the museum must take proactive
steps to preserve these objects for future generations. For this reason, in 2002, we established the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties tohandle restoration projects by restorers.

16

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

■Educational Programs
We promote a variety of educational programs to increase the understanding of theimportance of cultural properties.
①Programs for students
Ex: World heritage classes (mainly for elementary school students) and educational lectures
for teachers②Lectures and seminars
Ex: Public lectures, Sunday museum talks, summer seminar series, the Shōsō-in academic
symposium, and international symposia③Cooperation with universities and colleges
Ex: Campus Members System, internship programs, and joint lectures with Nara Women’s
University and Kobe University④Promotion of volunteer activities

Volunteer activity:Nara City World
Heritage classes■Research and Survey Activities
We consider research into cultural properties to be the most important activity supporting thefoundations of the Nara National Museum as a research institution. Reflected in the museum’s masterpiece exhibitions and special exhibitions, the results of research are utilized in our
exhibition activities. Reference materials collected through research are available to the public at the Buddhist Art Library. In fiscal year 2018 the Nara National Museum will conduct thefollowing thematic research:①Research on collection items, items on loan to the museum, and related items②Research on Buddhist paintings alongside the creation of reproductions③Fundamental research on ancient Buddhist scriptures and sutra-copying④Comprehensive survey of Buddhist arts and crafts and ancientarts and crafts⑤Research on artifacts excavated from ancient tombs⑥Research on the art of sculpture in ancient and medieval Nara
⑦Research on Buddhist art using optical technologies, conducted in collaboration with the Tokyo National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties⑧Research to accompany thematic exhibitions⑨Research to accompany special exhibitions, etc.
⑩Research to contribute to educational programs in history andtraditional culture⑪Research into the effects on cultural properties of storage area
environments, exhibition spaces and display cases⑫Research on collections and objects loaned to the museum,from the perspective of cultural asset restoration
Optical research on the materials
used to dye the National⑬Research on collections and objects loaned to the museum,
Treasure Embroidered Tapestry
from the perspective of conservation science
Showing the Buddha Shakya-muni⑭Theory and practice-based study of establishing cultural propPreaching (from the collections
erty archivesof the Nara National Museum).

Brief History

1889: Established as the Imperial Museum of Nara under
the supervision of the Imperial Household Ministry
1895: First exhibition held (April 29)
1900: Renamed as the Imperial Household Museum of Nara
1914: Establishment of the Shōsō-in Department
1947: Supervision transferred to the Ministry of Education
1950: Affiliated with the National Commission for the Protection of Cultural Properties
1952: Renamed as the Nara National Museum
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
1973: Opening of the West Wing
1980: Establishment of the Buddhist Art Library
1995: Celebration of the museum’s centennial anniversary
1998: Opening of the East Wing
2001: Becomes the Independent Administrative Institution
National Museum, Nara National Museum
2002: Opening of the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties
The main building’s repository reopend as the RitualBronzes Gallery
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as the
Nara National Museum
2010: T he main building renamed as the Nara Buddhist
Sculpture Hall
2016: Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall reopening after restoration (April 29)

Summer seminar: The Secrets of Buddhist
Images Explored through the Materials
Used to Create Them

70th Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in
Treasures Commemorative Concert

Threads of Devotion—Let’s Explore
Embroidered Buddhist Imagery!

Facilities

（m2）

Land Area

78,760

Buildings

Building Area

6,769

Exhibition Buildings

Gross Floor Area

19,116

Exhibition Area Total 4,079
Repository Area Total 1,558

Nara Buddhist Sculpture
Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,512
1,261

Gross Floor Area

1,512

Ritual Bronzes Gallery

Building Area
Exhibition Area

341
470		

Gross Floor Area

664

East Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,825
875

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

6,389
1,522

West Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,649
1,473		

Gross Floor Area

5,396

Buddhist Art Library

Building Area

718

Gross Floor Area

718

Conservation Center for
Cultural Properties

Building Area

319

Gross Floor Area

1,036

Lower Level
Passageway

Gross Floor Area

2,152

Repository Area

164

405

Gross Floor Area

1,249

OthersBuilding Area

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201917

Kyushu National Museum
Kyushu National Museum collects, preserves, manages and displays cultural properties, while also conducting research and providing educational programs. The focus ison cultural properties related to Japan’s cultural exchanges with other Asian regions.
Kyushu, the westernmost main island of Japan, which is situated close to continental Asia, has been thestage for vibrant exchanges of people and objects since ancient times. Delegations from overseas werewelcomed at the Dazaifu Government Office, which was situated near the museum’s current location. Thishistorical background, and the aspirations of the people of Kyushu, led to the establishment, in 2005 in
Dazaifu City, Fukuoka, of a national museum that focuses on the development of Japanese culture fromthe perspective of Japan’s contacts and exchange with surrounding Asian regions.
The Museum has now received a cumulative total of over 16 million visitors since it first opened. The
last few years have seen a pronounced increase in the number of visitors from China, Korea, Vietnam andThailand.
In the future, the Museum will continue to carry out a wide range of research work and other activities
aimed at furthering mutual understanding between Asian cultures, while also striving to be a museumthat is relevant to, and of value to, the local community.

SHIMATANI Hiroyuki
Executive Director
Kyushu National Museum■Exhibitions●Cultural Exchange Exhibition（Permanent Exhibition）

In order to provide our visitors with opportunities to experience new works each time they visit, Feature Exhibitions
are held in the Cultural Exchange Exhibition Gallery. We also strive to create more dynamic and in-depth exhibitions
through the use of videos and hands-on displays.

●Feature Exhibitions

Cultural Exchange Exhibition(Permanent Exhibition)

The main Feature Exhibitions scheduled for fiscal year 2019 are as follows:・Sarasa-Exuberant cotton fabrics with vibrant foils and flowers; Masterpieces from the Museum Collection
・Foundation “New Life for Timeless Art”
・Eastward Expansion of Printed Sutras: Tsushima built the relationship of printed sutras between Asia and Japan・Jomon Culture in Shakado Historic Ruins, Yamanashi
・The Origins of Swords: Famous Swords from Touken World Foundation and Kyushu National Museum●Special Exhibitions
・The Buddhist Sculptures of Daihō’onji temple, Kyoto Masterpieces by Kaikei and Jōkei
・The Muromachi Shoguns: Involvement of fifteen ASHIKAGAs in wars and arts
・Three Kingdoms: Unveiling The Story
・The Glory of French Paintings■Collection, Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties●Collection
T hematic E xhibition: Hokusai
P r ints, Nabeshima W are, andMore—Commemorative Exhibitionof Items Donated from the Collection of Mr. Sakamoto Goro (September 12–October 21, 2018)

The Museum puts an emphasis on collecting cultural heritage such as fine art, decorative art, archeologicalmaterials, historical documents and folk materials that help visitors more easily understand the cultural exchanges
between Japan and the rest of Asia as well as the origins of Japanese culture. Moreover, in an effort to further
improve displays and exhibitions, we proactively invite temples, shrines and private individuals to donate or entrust
their cultural properties to us.

●Preservation

The “storage rooms” of the Museum are where important cultural properties are preserved and stored. They feature
a double-walled structure, designed to prevent external air from outside the Museum from directly reaching thecultural properties, and are located in the heart of the building to minimize changes in temperature and humidity. The
air conditioning facilities also utilize a constant temperature humidistat, which allows the temperature and humidityof the storage area to be constantly maintained at more or less the same level. Additionally, the walls and ceiling ofeach storage room are made from materials procured from local suppliers in Kyushu, such as cedar, to help ensure
an appropriate humidity level without overly depending on air conditioning devices. The Museum was constructed asa seismically isolated structure, to prevent cultural properties from damage caused such as by toppling over during
earthquakes. The building does not receive a direct impact in the event of an earthquake, and this helps protect thepriceless cultural properties located inside.
Special Exhibition: Daigoji Temple:
A Shingon Esoteric Buddhist Universe in Kyoto (January 29–March24, 2019)

18●Restoration

The six conservation and restoration facilities at the Museum（respectively specializing in: the production of paper andother materials used for repair; historical materials, calligraphy and documents; paintings; sculptures; archaeologicalartifacts; and lacquerware）work in collaboration with the Museum’s Science Division, combining traditional methods
with scientific research technology. The staff, well experienced in the restoration of Japan’s designated culturalproperties, conduct projects actively through discussions with curators from fields such as history, art, decorative
arts, archaeology and other related areas. The latest technological equipment such as fluorescent X-ray analyzing
devices and X-ray CT scanners are also being actively utilized in the scientific analysis of cultural properties to berestored.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

■Educational and Exchange Activities●Educational Activities① Interactive Exhibition Gallery “Ajippa” showcases the various cultures of regions that had historically interacted with Japan. Other efforts include
areas such as educational kits development, visitor experience programs, and collaborative programs with other educational institutions.
② Educational programs in association with special exhibitions and the Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition)
・Programs to improve exhibition understanding
・Conducting of workshops
・Production of guidebooks③ “Kyupack” - educational kits to be used in secondary schools④ Operation of the Kyuhaku-go mobile museum⑤ Campus Members System to strengthen ties with universities and other higher educational institutions⑥ Educational activities based on “Kyushu National Museum’s picture books” for children⑦ Supporting volunteer activities
We encourage various volunteer activities at the museum in areas including exhibition explanations,educational programs, guided tours（including behind the scenes ”Backyard Tours”）, the environment,
events, and Data compilation.
Volunteer Program: Kyushu
National Museum
Children’s Festival●Exchange Activities①Implementing exchange projects in cooperation with local enterprises for more effective utilization of museum facilities.
②Promoting exchange among Asian museums
Conclusion of cultural exchange agreements with the Buyeo National Museum (Korea), the Gonguju National Museum (Korea), The Korea National
University of Cultural Heritage, the Nanjing Museum (China), the Museum of Inner Mongolia (China), Chinese Center for Cultural Exchange, Sichuan
Museum (Chengdu, China), Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum (China), the Vietnam National Museum of History, and the Fine Arts Department of
the Ministry of Culture (Thailand)③Hosting international symposia and lecture events■Research and Survey Activities
The results of research concerning our main theme of “Cultural Exchange between Japan and Asian Countries”
and scientific research on conservation and restoration of cultural properties are actively utilized for ourcollection, preservation and exhibition activities. Part of our research is financially supported by the governmentfunded Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research（KAKENHI）and other private grants for cultural activities.
・Research on using X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning to analyze the structure of culture heritage
artifacts・Research on Christianity in Early Modern Japan・Research on improving and expanding the system for safeguarding underwater archeological sites.
・R esearch relating to special exhibitions, including The Muromachi Shoguns: Involvement of fifteen
ASHIKAGAs in wars and arts etc.
・Research on educational outreach programs aimed at enhancing museum visitors’ understanding through theuse of explanatory panels, booklets, workshops, etc. tailored to exhibition themes
・Research on the conservation and restoration of Japanese and Asian cultural heritage in museums
・Research on the continued use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in museum crisis management
・Research on improving and expanding the system for safeguarding underwater archeological sites

Surveying the structure of artifacts using X-ray computed tomography (CT) techniques■Publications
The museum produces publications to promote a wider understanding of our activitiesi） Tofu-seisei（Research Bulletin）: This bulletin summarizes the results of the Museum’s investigative research efforts（published annually）
ii） Asiage（Visual guide）: A guide providing information on Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition) in an accessible format
	Asiage（Quarterly magazine）: An information magazine focusing on the Cultural Exchange Exhibition and special exhibitions（released quarterly)iii）iv）	Picture Book Series: The Museum produces original picture books for children about Japanese history format to encourage understanding andfamiliarity.

Brief History

1994: T he Agency for Cultural affairs（ACA）organized the “committee to investigate the establishment of a new concept-based museum (the Committee)”.
 CA decided the new museum should be established as the Kyushu Na1996: A
tional Museum（provisional title）in Dazaifu, Fukuoka.
1997: T he Committee drew up the “basic framework for Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）”.
 he Committee made the “basic plan for Kyushu National Museum（provi1999: T
sional title）”.
2000: A CA, Fukuoka Prefecture, and the Kyushu National Museum Promotion
Foundation（the Foundation）jointly formulated the “basic construction
design” for the Museum.
ACA and Fukuoka Prefecture jointly organized “experts conferenceThe	
for the establishment of Kyushu National Museum (provisional title)” developed the “permanent exhibition plan”.
 CA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation jointly completed the “basic
2001: A
exhibition design”.
Independent Administrative Institution National Museum (the NaThe	tional Museum) established the “preparatory office for the establishmentof the Kyushu National Museum”.
2002: A CA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation jointly launched the “construction works (the first year of a three-year plan)”.
 he National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture launched the “preparation
2003: Tof the exhibitions (the first year of a two-year plan”.
2004: A CA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation completed the “construction
works”.

the National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture officially named the
ACA,	Museum as “Kyushu National Museum”.
2005: T he National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture completed the “preparationof the exhibitions”.
The	
National Museum formally established the Kyushu National Museum.
Kyushu	
National Museum opened to the public on 16 October.
 he Kyushu National Museum was merged into the IAI National Institutes
2007: T
for Cultural Heritage（NICH）.
2008: J apan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting was held at the Kyushu National Museum.
2012: Kyushu
National Museum welcomed its 10 millionth visitor.

2015: 10th anniversary

Facilities（m2）

Land Area

159,844

Building

Building Area
NICH

Exhibition andExhibition Area Total
Repository Area Prefecture
Repository Area Total
Prefecture

14,623
9,300
5,444
1,375
4,518
1,335

Gross Floor Area
Prefecture
Shared Area

30,675  5,780
15,595NICH 3,844
Shared Area 225
NICH 2,744
Shared Area 439

The land and buildings are co-owned by Fukuoka Prefecture and the institution.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201919

Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

SAITO Takamasa
Director General
Tokyo National
Reseach Institute forCultural Properties

The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, in the implementation of its roleof supporting the work of the government in the administration of cultural properties, conducts
fundamental, systematic, up-to-date and practical research on all types of cultural properties, bothtangible and intangible. It actively disseminates the results of such research, provides guidance andadvice to local public organizations regarding the preservation of cultural properties, and conducts
international cooperation activities, with different countries in Asia and other regions of the world,on the protection of cultural properties through the trainings of personnel and the transferring ofconservation and restoration techniques.
The priority areas on which the Institute is focusing in its survey and research work are outlined
below: Firstly, the Institute is working to build up comprehensive archives from the various types ofresearch results, basic databases and source materials that the Institute has collected over theyears. In addition, in the conservation science field, the Institute promotes coordinated projects with
the Independent Administrative Institution, National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, of which theInstitute forms a part, with respect to surveys and research relating to the preservation, restorationand publication of museum materials. Thirdly, in regard to intangible cultural heritage, the Institutecollects basic data and materials nationwide, focusing mainly on performing arts and traditional
techniques, and makes them available to the public, etc.
Besides the above activities, the Institute operates the secretariat office of the Japan
Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage, a base organization for promoting thecoordination and collaboration of Japan's contribution in this area.

■Organization●Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems
The Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems collects, preserves,
collates and publicizes information relating to cultural properties, and also undertakes researchon the development of effective methods for the transmission of information, with the aim of
expanding the scope of cultural property archives. At the same time, the Department aims torealize a new kind of information science through measures tackling issues of contemporary
relevance in the fields of cultural properties studies and art history research, etc. The
Department also takes the results obtained in these activities as the basis for managing theinformation systems and public relations activities of the Institute as a whole.

Presentation at the International Conference of Art
Libraries (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, the Netherlands)●Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage conducts basic research useful for theconservation and transmission of intangible cultural heritage, focusing in particular on Japan’s
intangible cultural heritage, which includes intangible cultural properties, intangible folk-culturalproperties, and techniques for preserving cultural properties. Audiovisual documentation, asignificant method for the conservation of intangible cultural heritage, is conducted and new
methods of documentation are also investigated.
Recording of the Live Performance of Miyazono-bushi(from left: MIYAZONO Senyoshie, MIYAZONO Senroku,
MIYAZONO Senkazuya, and MIYAZONO Senkoju)●Center for Conservation Science
The Center for Conservation Science implements surveys of cultural property materials,
construction and techniques, and collects information that contributes to a more in-depth
understanding of cultural properties. In addition, it conducts research into the improvement of
restoration materials and techniques and into maintenance management methods; the Center
also implements activities relating to the adoption of new survey techniques. Moreover, thecenter works closely with those who are actually engaged in the conservation and restorationof cultural properties and their owners.

●Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation renders assistance to various
countries in Asian and other regions of the world through the conservation and restoration
projects of cultural heritage including technical transfer and human resource development.
It also promotes the cooperative networks with other relevant institutions, domestic andinternational, by organizing seminars and meetings. Collection and dissemination of information
on cultural heritage and its protection systems is another important task of the Center.
The center is commissioned with the management of the secretariat for the Japan
Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage.

Observation of the fibers used in historical documents"Investigation for restoration of the earthquake-damaged
Hanumandhoka Palace in Kathmandu, Nepal"

20

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

■Seminar, Advice, and Guidance
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties conducts various seminars and provides advice and guidance for the protection andutilization of cultural properties. Seminars and projects include international course on conservation of Japanese paper, training for museum curatorsin charge of conservation, advice on safeguarding intangible cultural properties, inspection assistance and advice on the museum environments, andinvestigation and advice concerning conservation of cultural properties.

International course of conservation ofJapanese paper

Training for museum curators■Graduate School Education and Public Lectures
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties provides the results of its research to the public in
the hope of nurturing the next generation of experts and raising public interest. The institute has collaborated with
the Tokyo University of the Arts since 1995 and is in charge of its Preventive Conservation Course. In the public
lectures, the Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems, and the Department of Intangible
Cultural Heritage present their research achievements every year.

■Dissemination of Research Information

The 52nd Public Lecture

The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties is engaged in actively
communicating with the public and making the results of its diverse activities
accessible, including those of research and international cooperation. Publications
such as the Annual Report, Leaflet for the 8th Public Profile and TOBUNKENNEWS
are published, and the website of the institute is updated constantly.

TOBUNKEN Resear ch
Collections（http://www.
tobunken.go.jp/archives/）■Publications

The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties publishes periodicals such as The Bijutsu Kenkyu (The Journal of Art Studies), Yearbookof Japanese Art, Research and Reports on Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Science for Conservation. It also publishes the results of various additional
research studies.

The Bijutsu Kenkyu(Journal of Art Studies)

Yearbook of Japanese Art

Brief History

1930: Established as the institute of Art Research. an auxiliary organization of the Imperial
Academy of Fine Arts
1947: Affiliated with the national Museum
1950: Affiliated with the national Commission for Protection of Cultural Properties
1952: Reorganized and renamed as Tokyo Research Institute of Cultural Properties

Research and Reports
on Intangible Cultural
Heritage

Science for Conservation

Facilities

（m2）

Land Area
Building

4,181

Building Area
Gross Floor Area

2,258
10,516

1954: Renamed as Tokyo national Institute of Cultural Properties
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
2000: Construction of new offices
2001: Restructured as the Independent Administrative Institution, National Research Institute for Cultural Properties Tokyo
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution, National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage, as Tokyo National Research Institute for Cutural Properties

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201921

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

MATSUMURA Keiji
Director General
Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties(President of the National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage)

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, an organization that engages in the studyof tangible cultural heritage, has conducted excavation research at the Nara and Fujiwara Palacesites, investigated cultural objects（such as historical documents, ancient architecture and gardens）and has also made efforts to preserve the Asuka region through its research and exhibition
programs. These activities contribute to academic exchanges, international support and the studyof cultural heritage in Japan and abroad. For example, they have resulted in ongoing joint research
partnerships with institutes in China and Korea. We also endeavor to develop new excavation technology and research methods as well as to provide technical training for local government specialists.
Our methods of preservation, restoration and maintenance that we developed to protect historical sites are not only appreciated by researchers in Japan, but are also utilized in excavations
globally. Our research activities are supported by our own
interdisciplinary joint research in different fields. It is our
responsibility to maximize the results of our efforts in the
research and preservation of cultural properties.

●Department of Planning and Coordination
The work of the Department of Planning and Coordination is assigned to five sections: the Planning and Coordination Section, the Data and Information Section, the International Cooperation
Section, the Exhibition Section and the Photography Section. These sections plan and organize
professional training programs for cultural heritage workers at local government agencies and other organizations, organize data systems and enhance related databases, arrange international joint
research projects and engage in international cooperation on archaeological sites, exhibit research
results at the Nara Palace Site Museum, and carry out photography and the development of newtechnology.

Nara Palace Site Museum Summer Special
Exhibition Workshop●Department of Cultural Heritage
The Department of Cultural Heritage consists of the Historical Document Section, the Architectural History Section, the Cultural Landscape Section and the Sites Management Research
Section. These sections conduct specialist and comprehensive research in the following areas respectively: calligraphy, ancient books and historical documents; historical and traditional architecture; cultural landscapes; and the maintenance of archaeological sites and historical gardens. The
research activities conducted by each section contribute, in a practical manner, to governmental
activities concerning the protection of cultural properties, such as the designation, selection, registration, conservation and management of properties. The Department also collaborates with, andprovides advice for, local public entities in regard to cultural property administration.

Survey of the former Nakamura family
residence (Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture)●Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations
The Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations is organized in five sections: the Archaeology Sections 1, 2 and 3, the History Section, and the Architectural Feature Section. These sections undertake interdisciplinary research on the basis of archeological excavations of ancient palaces, temples, tombs located in the Heijo area and in the Asuka and Fujiwara area. The research
results are publicized through presentations, reports and exhibitions; this research also contributes
to the preservation and effective utilization of these archeological remains.
【Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations（Heijo）】
This Department is in charge of excavation and research at the Nara Palace Site (Special
Historic Site), where the imperial palace and government offices were located in the Nara period（710-784）. Systematic research has been in progress since 1959 and over one-third of the 130
hectare site has been excavated and surveyed so far. The finds from excavation at the sites of thepalace and ancient temples, and such as architectural remains, wooden tablets（used for written
documents）, earthenware vessels and ceramic tiles, have been verified with reference to historical
records; this empirical research on the Nara period undertaken by the Department has won widespread plaudits. The Department also provides the results of its research on the Nara Palace Siteto the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism（MLIT）as basic data to support themaintenance of the national Nara Palace Site Historical Park.

Excavation survey of the East Gate of the
Chodo-in (Official Compound) in the East
Palace Site, forming part of the Heijo Palace】【Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations（Asuka and Fujiwara）
The Department is in charge of excavation and research on the Asuka and Fujiwara area that
constituted Japan’s political, economic and cultural center during the period between the 7th
and early 8th centuries when the Japanese state was coming into being. The sites in the Asuka
district include palaces and the residences of elite clans the sites of temples such as Asukadera
temple（the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan）a workshop that produced ancient coins and glassa water clock and various tombs. To the north lies the site of the Fujiwara capital, the first largescale planned city in Japan, covering a vast area of more than five square kilometers. The interdisciplinary, empirical research being conducted based on the excavations of these sites in the Asuka
and Fujiwara areas has made a major contribution towards helping to clarify the historical record of
the Asuka period.

22

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

Excavation survey of the Daigokuden (Imperial Audience Hall) of the Fujiwara Imperial Site

●Center for Archaeological Operations
The Center for Archaeological Operations consists of four research sections, which undertakepractical research relating to the survey, research and conservation of cultural heritage, as well as
providing training activities based on the Center’s research results, etc. The Conservation Science
Section undertakes a wide range of research, from fundamental research to practical research,
relating to surveys and analysis of the materials and structures of archaeological objects, the insitu display of archaeological remains, etc. The Environmental Archaeology Section undertakes
research relating to the simulation of ancient environments and how animals and plants were usedin the past, etc., through surveys of and research on the remains of flora and fauna. The Dendrochronological Dating Section uses the methods of dendrochronology to advance applied researchon techniques for determining the age and origin of wooden cultural heritage items, and for determining how they were made, etc. The Archaeological Research Methodology Section develops surveying and measurement techniques, with a particular focus on the surveying and measurement ofarchaeological data, with the aim of furthering the development and effective utilization of methods
for researching cultural heritage and archaeology; this Section also undertakes disaster archaeology surveys and research.

A newly installed high-energy X-ray computed
tomography (CT) scanninger device●Asuka Historical Museum
The Asuka Historical Museum, a facility that showcases the history and culture of the Asuka
Period, was established in 1975 following a decision made by the Japanese Cabinet. Besides theMuseum’s regular exhibitions, which have thematic displays relating to palaces, stone structures,
tombs and temple sites, etc., visitors can also see the reconstructed portion of the eastern cloister of Yamada-dera Temple and objects excavated in and around this site. The Museum holds Special Exhibitions in spring and autumn and Feature Exhibitions in summer and winter, with displays
focused on the history and cultural heritage of the Asuka Period, displays that present the resultsof the wide-ranging research undertaken by the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties in an easy-to-understand way, displays featuring photographs of cultural heritage items, etc.
The Museum also hosts lectures, participatory activities, etc.
The Asuka Historical Museum building,and a reconstructed stone artifact in theMuseum grounds●International Academic Exchange
Ongoing projects include: (1) joint research with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
involving comparison of ancient capital sites; (2) joint research with the Archaeological Instituteof Henan Province, China, into artifacts excavated from the Huangye kiln site the city of Gongyi;(3) joint research with the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Liaoning Province, China,
into excavated artifacts belonging to the San-Yan Culture; (4) a comparative study undertaken incollaboration with the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Korea, of the emergenceand development of the ancient civilizations of Japan and Korea, together with human resource
exchanges at excavation projects; (5) research and a conservation project, undertaken with
Cambodia’s Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap
(APSARA), at the Western Prasat Top site, one of the historical sites of Angkor, together withhuman resource development. We have also been commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs
to collaborate on a Networking Core Centers for International Cooperation in Conservation ofCultural Heritage project with the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on technology
transfer and human resources development relating to archeological artifact surveying, recording
and conservation.

International project for conservation ofWestern Prasat Top, Angkor●Publications
Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties publishes periodicals such as Overview of Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, BULLETIN Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, NABUNKEN NEWS and CAO NEWS Centre for Archaeological Operations. It
also publishes the results of various additional research studies.

Brief History

1952: Nara Cultural Properties Research Institute（consistingof the General Affairs Division, the Historical Research
Division, the Architecture Research Division, and the Art
Research Division）is established at 50 Kasugano-cho,Nara City, as an auxiliany organization of the National
Commission for the Protection of Cultural Properties
1954: R enamed as the Nara National Cultural Palace Site in
Sakihigashi-machi, Nara City
1960: T he office of the Heijo Palace Site Investigations opened in
the former Nara Place Site in Sakihigashi-machi, Nara City
1963: Heijo Palace Site Investigation Division is established
1968: Affillated with the Agency for Culthural Affairs（established1968）
1970: Nara Palace Site Museum opened
1973: Finance Section, Asuka/Fujiwara Palace Site Investigation
Division, and Asuka Historical Museum established
1974: D epartment of General Affairs and the Center for
Archaeological Operations established
1975: Asuka Historical Museum opened at Okuyama in Asuka
Village, Nara
1980: Art Research Division transferred to the Research Center
for Buddhist Art, Nara National Museum
1980: Relocated to 2-9-1 Nijo-cho, Nara City. Heijo Palace Site
Investigation Division and the Center for Archaeclogicaloperations are transferred together to the new site.
1988: N ew headquarters building of Asuka/Fujiwara Palace
Site Investigation Division built at 94-1 Kinomoto-cho,Kashihara City
2001: Restructured as the Independent Administrative Institution
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Nara
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institute for Cultural Heritage, as the Nara
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties.
2013: Relocated to temporary premises Iocated at 247-1 Sakicho, Nara City, while the original head office site is being
redeveloped.
2018: Following the completion of renovation work on the Institute’s headquarters building, the Institute was relocatedfrom temporary premises back to the renovated headquarters building

Facilities

（m2）
Land Area

Building
Building Area
8,879 Gross Floor Area

2,812
11,387

Located on government-owned Building Arealand, rent fees waivered Gross Floor Area

10,631
16,150Fujiwara Area

Building Area
20,515 Gross Floor Area

6,016
9,477

Asuka Area

Building Area
17,093 Gross Floor Area

2,657
4,404

Headquarters Area
Heijo Area

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201923

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region（IRCI）
At the 35th Session of UNESCO General Conference of October 2009, approval was given
to Japan to establish an international research centre for intangible cultural heritage in the
Asia-Pacific region. After this approval, the Japanese government concluded an agreementwith UNESCO in August 2010, and established the International Research Centre for
Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI) in Sakai City in October
2011, as a Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO (institutions that serve tocontribute to the achievement of UNESCO’s strategic objectives).

IWAMOTO Wataru
Director-General
International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region

IRCI’s objectives are to promote the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of theIntangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and its implementation, and to enhance the safeguardingof ICH through instigating and coordinating research in the Asia-Pacific region. Today,
many elements of ICH are endangered all over the world due to various factors. The
safeguarding of ICH is now undeniably an urgent issue. IRCI collaborates with universities
and research institutions in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region to promote research on thepractices and methodologies of ICH safeguarding.

■Activity Plan for FY 2019IRCI promotes research as an international research hub for ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region
while contributing to it’s enhancement using Japan’s long-term experience in cultural
heritage management. The activities’ foci are as follows:
１． Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding
２． Conducting Research on Endangered ICH
３． Cooperating with Sakai City to Promote ICH
In FY 2019, IRCI will conduct the following projects.
●Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding
１． Research Data Collection
Overall, 32 countries have been surveyed as of March 2019 andthe data collected were added into IRCI’s research database. IRCI
published a report on the project in March 2019. In FY2019-2021,
IRCI will systematically collect information on UNESCO's Convention
for the Safeguarding of ICH and related research, in collaboration
with designated research organisations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Discussion at the International Symposium on “Multi-disciplinary study
on intangible cultural heritage’s contribution to sustainable development: Focusing on education” (Nara, Japan, January 2019)

２． Research Database Improvement
To ensure that the research information from relevant literature, experts and institutions collected in the past years is widely available, IRCI has
been managing an online research database since September 2014, which comprised 2,550 entries as of March 2019 (https://www.irci.jp/
ichdb/). In FY2019, IRCI will review the database functions and usability for database improvement.
３． Multi-disciplinary Study on ICH's Contribution to Sustainable Development: Focusing on Education
In FY 2018-2019, IRCI is implementing a project to promote the contribution of ICH towards the realisation of Goal 4 of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) focusing on education. In FY2018, IRCI created guidelines which introduced ICH into the field of education incooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in the Philippines, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and the Vietnam
Institute of Educational Sciences. In FY2019, these guidelines will be applied to formal and non-formal education settings. IRCI will verify theeffectiveness of the guidelines through various monitoring processes.
４.

Researchers Forum
IRCI will organise an international forum to discuss the status, role and contributions of research for ICH safeguarding. IRCI will publish
proceedings as one outcome of the project.

24

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

●Conducting Research on Endangered ICH
Study of Emergency Protection of ICH in Conflict-Affected Countries in
Asia
This project, which is currently in the process of implementation(FY2017-2020), examines ICH under conflict-affected situations, andspecifies the risk factors that threaten the viability of ICH. In FY2018,IRCI completed data collection and surveys on current ICH sites thatare particularly threatened by extinction in Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, andAfghanistan. In FY2019, IRCI will conduct further studies to identify
possible safeguarding measures for ICH, in cooperation with partnerorganisations.

●Cooperating with Sakai City for Promoting ICH
IRCI widely disseminates information and a clear vision of ICH to theJapanese people, in addition to providing them with various opportunities
to learn about ICH in cooperation with Sakai City; those opportunities
include IRCI panel displays in Sakai City Museum. Sakai City and the
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage have been co-hosting an annual
symposium on cultural heritage since FY2015. At this event, IRCI's
information panels are also displayed and publications are distributed. In
FY2019, this event will be held on 21 July at Tokyo National Museum.

●Communications and Publicity
Recently, IRCI published new leaflets and brochures to present to the
public its research projects as well as its activities and information related
to ICH. We also released information on our website, which is compatible
with smartphones and tablets in terms of its design and content, andfrequently update it with new information. Further, IRCI published thefollowing publications in FY2018 to disseminate information and the

Displaying panels at the symposium(Tokyo National Museum, Japan, July 2018)

results of its activities.
1. Brochure of IRCI (Japanese and English)
2. Leaflet of IRCI (Japanese and English)
3. Proceedings of the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Intangible Cultural Heritage and Natural Disasters (English)
4. Report on the IRCI Literature Survey on Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Research (2016-2018) (English) (published online only)

Proceedings of the
Asia-Pacific Regional
Workshop on Intangible
Cultural Heritage andNatural Disasters

Report on the IRCI
Literature Survey on
Intangible Cultural
Heritage Safeguarding
Research (20162018)(published online only)

Leaflet of IRCI
Brochure of IRCI

Brief History

Oct . 2009  : Establishment of IRCI authorized at the UNESCO General Conference
Aug. 2010: ‌Agreement for the establishment of IRCI concluded between theJapanese Government and UNESCO
Mar. 2011:   ‌Agreement for the opening of IRCI concluded between Sakai City and
the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
Apr . 2011:   Establishment of the preparatory office for IRCIOct. 2011:   Official opening of IRCI
Dec. 2018: A greement for the continuation of IRCI concluded between the

Facilities
Buildings（m2）
Building Area

244.67Gross Floor Area

244.67

Number of Rooms

4※The Building is provided by Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture

Japanese Government and UNESCO
Mar. 2019: Agreement for the continuation of IRCI concluded between Sakai Cityand the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201925

Ⅴ Reference Materials
Special Advisory Board（As of April 1, 2019, titles omitted）
We have a board of special advisors, consisting of professionals drawn from outside the institutes, to gather various opinionsfrom many fields concerning the management of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage. The mission of the Board of Special Advisors is to discuss important issues about the management of the Institutes and give advice to the Chairperson of theBoard. The number of board members is set at 20, and each member serves renewable 2-year terms.
ANDO Hiroyasu: President, Japan Foundation

NISHITAKATSUJI Nobuyoshi: Chairman of the Board, Dazaifu

UEHARA Mahito: Executive Director, Tatsuuma Archeological Museum
KAMII Monsho: Head Priest, Byodoin Temple
KARAIKE Koji: ‌Representative Director and Chairman of theBoard, Kyushu Railway Company
KINOSHITA Naoyuki: Director, Shizuoka Prefectural Museumof ArtSATO Teiichi: F o r m e r A m b a s s a d o r E x t r a o r d i n a r y a n dPlenipotentiary, to the UNESCO

Tenmangu Shrine
FUJII Joji: Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University
FURUSE Natsuko: Professor, Faculty of Core Research Humanities Division, Ochanomizu University
HOKOI Shuichi: Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University
YANAGIHARA Masaki: P resident, Independent Administrative Institution National Museum ofArt
YAMAMOTO Shinichiro: Grand Steward, Imperial Household

SHIMIZU Mazumi: Executive Director, Mitsui Memorial Mu-

Agencyseum
TANABE Ikuo: President, Osaka Center for Cultural Heritage
DAN Fumi: Actress

External Evaluation Board（As of April 1, 2019, titles omitted）
Besides implementing self-evaluation of the Institutes’ operational, survey and research performance, The National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage have also established an External Evaluation Board of external experts to verify the Institutes’ assessment of
their own performance.（Renewable 2-year terms）
ISHIKAWA Hideshi: Professor, School of Arts and Letters,
Meiji University
OGASAWARA Naoshi: President, Avantia GP
OKADA Yasuyoshi: Professor, Institute for Cultural Studies
of Ancient Iraq, Kokushikan University
KAWAI Masatomo: Executive Director, Chiba City Museum ofArtversityTERADA Yoshitaka: Professor, National Museum of Ethnology
NAGOYA Akira: Vice Director, The Gotoh Museum
HAMADA Hiroaki: Professor, J. F. Oberlin University

KOJIMA Kaoru: D epartment of Aesthetics and Art History,YANAGIBAYASHI Osamu: F ormer Member of the Editorial

Faculty of Humanities Professor, Jissen

Writer Board, The Yomiuri Shim-

Women’s University

bun

KOMATSU Taishu: Director, Eisei-Bunko Museum
SAITO Tsutomu: Professor, Research Department, National
Museum of Japanese History
SAKAEHARA Towao: Director, Osaka Museum of History
SAKAMOTO Hiroko: ( Full-Time) Audit & Supervisory Board
Member, The Asahi Shimbun Company

26

SAKAKIBARA Satoru: Director, Okazaki City Museum
TERASAKI Yasuhiro: Professor, faculty of letters, Nara Uni-

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

BudgetFiscal Year 2019 Budget
Estimated Income（Unit: JPY1,000）

SourceFiscal 2019

Fiscal 2018

Self-generated Income

1,930,752

1,677,155

Government funding for operating expenses

8,592,869

8,808,027

Income from commissioned projects

605,045617,802

Grant for facilities improvement

993,952

405,044

Others (Donations, etc.)

648,778

542,212

Total

12,771,396

12,050,240

Estimated Expenditure（Unit: JPY1,000）

PurposeFiscal 2019

Operational expenses

Fiscal 2018
10,523,621

10,485,182

Personnel

3,724,784

3,499,389

Supply costs

6,798,837

6,985,793

Expenses for commissioned projects

605,045617,802

Facility improvement

993,952

405,044

Others (Donations, etc.)

648,778

542,212

Total

12,771,396

12,050,240

Income from External Sources
Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research①

Fiscal 2019

Number of
projects
National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage
Secretariat②

Multi-year Fund Fiscal 2019

AmountNumber of projects（Unit：JPY1,000）

0

0

0

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）（0）0Funding forCommissioned Work
（Fiscal 2018）
Number of
projects
2

Research Grants（Fiscal 2018）

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）
270,184

Number of
projects

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

1

150,000

Tokyo National Museum

943,94014（0）17,6801

35,625943,038

Kyoto National Museum

1

6,370

5

（0）

3,900

1

481,1401

4,510

Nara National Museum

1

4,810

5

（0）

7,280

0

0

4

9,560

Kyushu National Museum

317,680

3

（0）

4,030

1

10,0492

1,770Tokyo National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

5

29,46019（0）20,80011

150,8624

4,700

Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

17

96,20039（0）39,06532

274,262

13

10,830International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region

0

0

0

（0）

0

1

51,6830

0

36

198,460

092,755

49

793,14734

224,408

Total※The amount of ① is the appropriation amount as of April, 2019.
※In the case of projects that extend over multiple fiscal years, the amount given under ② shows the amount allocated to that year when the decision to provide
the grant was first made.
※With regard to research topics for which both ① and ② were awarded (partial funding), the number of projects is included under the respective totals for ① and ②;
the figure given in parentheses for ② is the number of projects for which both types of Grants-in-Aid were awarded. Please note that the figures given include
indirect expenses.
※Funding for commissioned work excludes commissions from the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201927

Ⅵ Information about Donation and Membership○Financial Donations and Cultural Property Donations【Financial Donations】

Independent Administrative Institutions are mainly administered through national grants for operational costs and facilities improvement.
However, difficult financial conditions and the streamlining of operations makes it necessary to receive outside funds as well. The National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage is no exception and we also need to secure other funding sources besides income from admission fees. For
these reasons, we welcome financial support from a wide range of organizations and individuals.
The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage has been designated by the National Tax Agency as a Special Public-Interest Promotion
Corporation. This means that donations to our institutions（by organizations or individuals）are eligible for more generous income and corporate
tax deductions than donations to regular private entities.

▲

Income tax

Individuals who donate to a Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporation are eligible for a partial income tax deduction through the “Donation
Deduction” system.
A FY2010 amendment to the tax law reduced the minimum annual tax-deductible donation amount from 5,000 yen to 2,000 yen, so any
individual who donates more than 2,000 yen annually to Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporations will be eligible for a tax deduction. As
a result, a donor will be able to deduct a donation amount of up to 40% of total income（minus 2,000 yen）when calculating income tax.
*Please note that tax deductions for donations may also be available with respect to individual Resident Tax, depending on the regulations
adopted by the local authority for the area where the individual taxpayer is officially resident.

▲

Corporate tax

When donating to a Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporation, corporate entities can count the donation amount as a deductible expense
separate from other general donations. Furthermore, the reform of the tax system in 2011 raised the ceiling for the amount of donations that
could be included as deductible expenses. As a result, the maximum amount of donations that can be counted as special deductible expenses =（amount of capital × 0.375（formerly 0.25）+ 6.25% of income（formerly 5%））× 1/2 (Where the business year covers a period of less than
one full calendar year, the calculation must be performed on a pro-rata basis according to a specified number of months. Also, please note thatthe calculation formula is different in the case of corporations that do not have capital stock (such as NPOs, etc.)【Cultural Property Donations】

The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage is engaged in the preservation, management, research and display of cultural properties. In
addition to purchasing these cultural properties systematically, we also accept donations from individuals or organizations.

For further information about donations, please contact the following departments:

Institution

Financial Donations

Cultural Property Donations

Phone Numbers

Tokyo National Museum

Accounting, Administration
Department

Collections Management,
Curatorial Research Department

03-3822-1111

Kyoto National Museum

Financial Affairs

Department of Registration andImage Archives

075-541-1151

Nara National Museum

Accounts

Curatorial Division, Planning
Section0742-22-7772
0742-22-7774

Kyushu National Museum

Financial Affairs, General Affairs
Division

Collection Registration, Cultural
Properties Division092-918-2807

Tokyo National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

Department of Research Support and Promotion, Planning Section

03-3823-2249

Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

Department of Research Support and Promotion, Administration Division0742-30-3916

General Affairs Section

072-275-8050

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Secretariat, Financial Affairs

03-3822-2439

International ResearchCentre for Intangible Cultural
Heritage in the Asia-PacificRegion (IRCI)
Inquiries not specifying
institutions

28

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2019

○MembershipTokyo National Museum, Nara National Museum and Kyushu National Museum are supported by the Supporting Member System,
while Kyoto National Museum is supported by the Seifukai Association.
To encourage people to visit our museums more frequently, Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National
Museum and Kyushu National Museum have all established their own membership systems. In addition, to mark the 10th
anniversary of the establishment of the National Institutions for Cultural Heritage, a new “National Museums Members Pass”
system was established in 2017, which applies to all four National Museums. We welcome new members at any time of the year.
Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Name
AnnualMembership
Fee

Nara National Museum

Kyushu National Museum

National Museum Members Pass
Regular2,000 Yen (tax included)

Student

1,000 Yen (tax included)

Permanent
Exhibitions

Tokyo National Museum: Regular Exhibitions
Kyoto National Museum: Collection Galleries
Nara National Museum: Exhibition from the Permanent Collection
Kyushu National Museum: Cultural Exchange Exhibition• On showing your Members Pass, you can view any of these permanent exhibitions
an unlimited number of times (this applies only to the person in whose name theMembers Pass is registered)Special
Exhibitions

Members Pass holders can view special exhibitions held at any of the four National
Museums an unlimited number of times at a specially discounted ticket price.
• On showing your Members Pass at a National Museum ticket oﬃce, you can purchasea special exhibition ticket at the group ticket price (this applies only to the person inwhose name the Members Pass is registered)• Students can purchase a special exhibition ticket at the student price, which is thesame as the group ticket price (this applies only to the person in whose name theMembers Pass is registered)SpecialPrivileges

How to Apply

You can apply for a Members Pass at one of the National Museum ticket oﬃces, or bypost, using postal remittance.

For More Information

General Aﬀairs Section General Aﬀairs Section
General Aﬀairs Section
Membership System
Business Promotion
General Aﬀairs Section
Planning Oﬃcer
ManagerOﬃcer
092‑918‑2807
0742‑22‑4450
03‑3822‑1111
075‑541‑1151

Campus Members System

Each of the four National Museums has its own membership programs for universities and colleges. These programs are aimed
at deepening cooperation with institutions of higher education and providing opportunities for their students to become familiar
with the National Museums. Members can enjoy various privileges, including free admission to regular exhibitions, for a yearly
membership fee corresponding to the number of students.

○Venue Rental

Each of the National Museums makes its facilities available as unique venues for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences andExhibitions) events. From corporate parties to international conventions, the museum facilities can be used for a wide range ofactivities.

○Diversifying Visitor Experiences

To diversify visitor experiences, opening hours at the national museums are extended on Fridays and Saturdays, and various
nighttime events are held. Eﬀorts are being taken to facilitate understanding for foreign tourists, such as adding multilingual
information labels and audio guides at exhibition galleries, namely in English, Chinese and Korean.

fashion show + projection
mapping performance, created by students at
Kyoto Womenʼs University (Kyoto National
Museum)Kyuhaku Night ★ Fantasia (Kyushu National Museum)

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201929

Tokyo National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties

JR U
gu
Statiisudanion

National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage Secretariat

International
Library ofWest Gate
Children’s
Literature
KurodaMemorial Hall
◀ To Tokyo
Metro Nezu
StationTOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM
Main Gate

National Museum of
Nature and Science

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Fountain
Police Box

Ueno park

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival HallPark Exit

JR UenoStationUeno Zoo

National Museumof Western Art

N

Tokyo Metro
Ueno Station

Keisei Ueno
StationAccess:
JR Line: 10 min. from Ueno or Uguisudani Station
Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line: 15 min. from Ueno Station
Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line: 15 min. from Nezu Station
Keisei Line: 15 min. from Keisei Ueno Station

13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712
Phone: +81-3-3822-1196

URL: https://www.nich.go.jp/